Rain threat looms large in the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester. This is a critical game for the visitors, who are trailing 1-2 in the series. Rain is likely to stay away from the morning session on Day 1, but the second and third sessions could take a hit, with over 50 percent chance of rain at 2:00 PM local time and 6:30 PM IST.

The second day is also likely to see plenty of rain in Manchester, with the forecast predicting nearly 50 percent chance of rain for most of the day. Day 3 and 4 should be good for cricket, but Day 5 could again see a few rain breaks. The conditions will stay overcast on all five days, so the bowlers should be on the happier side, especially given the fact that they have been given flat tracks to bowl on in the preceding three Tests.

Injuries Leave India Reeling

Meanwhile, injuries to key players are a big setback to the Indian team, who face a must-win situation. Akash Deep is likely to miss the Test due to injury, while Nitish Reddy has also been ruled out. India are also very likely to drop Karun Nair and replace him with Sai Sudharsan. Nair made a return to Team India after eight years, but he failed to grab his opportunities. Meanwhile, Anshul Kamboj is all set to replace Akash Deep and Shardul Thakur is likely to come in place of Nitish Reddy.

Tough Road Ahead

India need wins in the last two Tests to win the series, but it won't be easy. India have themselves to blame for this situation. They dominated the first and third Tests in Leeds and Lord's respectively but failed to capitalise on crunch moments and lost the games from a position of strength. They failed to defend 371 in the first Test and faltered in the chase of modest 193 at Lord's.