IND vs ENG Leeds weather prediction: Dark clouds to welcome India and England at Headingley- Follow live updates

IND vs ENG Leeds weather prediction: Dark clouds to welcome India and England at Headingley- Follow live updates: Dark clouds are likely to play a role in the opening session as India are set to take on England in the 3rd Test at Headingley, Leeds. In a picture shared on Social media, England cricket showed dark clouds are hovering over Headingley cricket stadium. As per the weather forecast, the clouds are likely to stay for at least a couple of hours.

14:00 IST: 

Welcome to Headingley! ????????????????????????????????#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/EjTp1UK6Ro

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 25, 2021

Team India will return to Headingley for the first time in 19 years as they prepare to take on England in the third Test of the series. Back then, a Sourav Ganguly led Indian team and clinched a famous win, and a similar result for Virat Kohli’s group will ensure that a draw will be the worst possible series result. India come into the game on the back of an epic victory at Lord’s, with a 1-0 series lead.

Unlike Trent Bridge and Lord’s, Headingley is likely to be a drier surface and Virat Kohli was himself surprised at the lack of grass on the surface. In his press conference, the Indian captain revealed that they could see much more of the surface and the pitch doesn’t seem to be as lively as the ones in Trent Bridge and Lord’s.

As for the weather, Leeds is expected to be sunny for most of the Test match with very little indication of rainfall.  No rainfall is predicted in either of the five days of the Test, meaning 450 overs could be a real possibility. Reports suggest that the pitch is sightly damp for Day 1, but the conditions should ensure that there’s enough wear and tear for spin to come into play on Day 4 and 5.

Sunny conditions are expected on day 1, but Day 2 could see major changes, with a significant chance of rainfall. The same could be said for Day 3, however, it eases up a little during the final two days of the test. Chasing in the fourth innings, keeping in mind the weather and conditions, will not be an easy task at Leeds.

India might change 4+1 template

As there is a prediction for a minimal downpour in the third Test, Virat Kohli might tinker with the Playing XI. The comparatively parched conditions might see India sidelining their 4 (pacers) + 1 (spinner) combination and rope in 3 (pacers) + 2 (spinners).

That would mean, Ishant Sharma might make way for senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the Playing XI.

Also read: India Record Headingley: Can India continue winning run at Headingley on return to Yorkshire ground 19 years later?

Headlingley’s turf usually assists pacers 

Historically, Headingley’s green top has favoured seamers. The last time England played at the venue in 2019, they were bowled out for 67 against Australia but they managed to pull off a 1-wicket victory. Since then, the County Championships matches have also offered assistance to seamers.