The Indian Cricket Team has stunned England after registering a win at the Kia Oval after a long 50-year gap. The visitors defeated England by a significant 157-run margin in the 4th test of the series. The series now stands 2-1 after 4 tests. The last test of the 5-match test series between India and England will be played in Manchester. In this article you’ll find the Pitch Report of the Emirates Old Trafford Stadium for the 5th IND vs ENG test, including the weather report.

Similar to the 3rd test, India had a tough start to the 4th test and were 7 down for 127 in the first innings. Shardul Thakur though then batted fiercely and made a 36-ball 57 which helped India reach 191. England then took a lead of 99 runs and put India in the backfoot. India in their second innings batted brilliantly and posted a total of 466 runs, taking a 367-run lead. Though the English openers looked steady by the end of the 4th day, Shardul Thakur broke the partnership in his first over on Day 5. Later on Shardul removed Root and shattered England’s hopes.

It is after 1971 that the Indian Cricket Team has managed to win a match in Kia Oval. The next challenge though, for the Indian Team, is even bigger as the teams move to Old Trafford for the 5th test. India has never won a Test match in Manchester and this would be their best possible chance. Even a draw would be sufficient for India in order to win the series but they’d look to change the history by winning a match in the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

Emirates Old Trafford Stadium Pitch Report & Weather on match day

The records suggest that the wicket in the Old Trafford Stadium favors the batsmen. The pitch in Manchester is said to be the fastest pitch in the UK but the ball comes easily onto the bat here. The fast bowlers need to be consistent with their line and length to be successful in Manchester. The pitch starts assisting the spinners from the 3rd or 4th day.

Usually the team which bats first in Manchester goes on to score big totals in the first innings and dominate the entire match. Out of a total of 82 tests played here, 32 have been won by the teams batting first whereas the teams bowling first have only won 15 . Hence it’s clear that batting first is the way to go here.

Weather during IND vs ENG 5th Test: The Manchester city is known for its unpredictable weather. The first two days of the match are predicted to be most affected by the weather. The forecast though says that all the 5 days of the test match would remain cloudy. With 80 and 60% chances of rain on the first two days respectively, there is a possibility of a draw.

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