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Heavy Rain Stops Play In IND Vs ENG 5th Test; Early Lunch Taken

Anurag Dasgupta

Rain In Oval [Source: @Crycloverajay/x.com] Rain In Oval [Source: @Crycloverajay/x.com]

Just what everyone feared took place. Heavy rain arrived just before the stroke of lunch, and the players had to rush back to the dugout in the India vs England, 5th Test at the Oval, London. An early innings break was taken as the predictions of relentless rain came true, with the entire square being covered.

Rain predictions came true at the Oval

As per Accuweather, there was a 70% chance of rain in London on Thursday, and the predictions came true as dark clouds hovered around the stadium, and rain started puring down right before the stroke of lunch.

Throughout the day, there is a heavy rain prediction, and the second session could also be affected by it. Starting from 2 PM, BST, till 6 PM, BST, persistent rain could hamper the contest between India and England. At 2 PM, there is a 70% rain, while at 4 PM, the percentage increases to 80%. It reduces to 40% at 5 PM, but by that point, more than half of the day would be affected.

How is the drainage system at the Kennington Oval?

Just like any other ground in England, the Kennington Oval in London boasts one of the finest drainage systems in the world. The system is designed to quickly remove water from the surface, so that the game could resume quickly.

It features a French drain system, and it allows the water to be soaked up quickly, thus allowing a quick resumption even after relentless rain. It features a French drain system, and it allows the water to be soaked up quickly, thus allowing a quick resumption even after relentless rain.

ECB overhauled their drainage system in 2008, and the technology allows to drain 30mm of rain per hour - a guideline set by the ECB - in order to ensure as much cricket is played as possible.

When will the IND Vs ENG 2nd session start?

As per ECB official website, the rain has stopped, and if there is no further rain, the next inspection will take place at 2 PM BST, and accordingly a time will be set for the session to commence.