Key events
Show key events only
Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Nothing is happening so I’m going to grab a coffee. In the meantime, here’s Geoff Lemon with the latest from Australia’s tour of the Caribbean.
Share
The rain has eased so the groundstaff are getting to work. It’s still spitting and there’s been no discussion of a potential start time. Could be at least an hour – the outfield looks sodden.
Share
Swathi has written another ode to Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, your batting is so sublime
And you are in a zone that is beyond prime
The caress through the covers
Is a treat for purists and lovers
To you, I raise this toast of gin and lime
“To which a friend said: ‘With Gill’s current form you will be drinking a lot of gin.’”
Hic hic, hooray!
Share
There was quite a downpour at Edgbaston, much heavier than expected. India shouldn’t be worried at this stage: the drainage is excellent and the forecast is better for the rest of the day.
Share
He’s a class act, whose timeless style is an antidote to modern life. But enough about Andy Bull – here he is paying tribute to Shubman Gill.
Share
Start delayed due to rain
England fans, I hope you’re proud of your cowardice. It’s raining at Edgbaston and the covers are on.
Share
Updated at 10.55 BST
“Hi Rob,” begins Andrew Goudie. “Are we likely to have an on-time start?” And have India confirmed that Bumrah will play at Lord’s? Here’s the overseas TMS link.”
No (because it’s just starting raining), no (but he will), thank you.
Share
“Yesterday really took me back,” writes Will Vignoles. “An opponent ruthlessly putting the foot on the throat before making a mockery of talk of roads by peeling off a succession of jaffas. Who doesn’t love a bit of nostalgia!”
Share
Weather watch
There’s a chance of showers this morning but I suspect no more than 10-15 overs will be lost. England need to do this off their own ideally dead bat.
Share
Updated at 10.38 BST
Preamble
Maturity comes in many forms, from sober wardrobes to sensible haircuts to the uncomplaining recognition that life is inherently futile and we’re all going to die. The same is true for this England cricket team.
At Headingley they chased 371 in a calculated manner that would have been impossible three years ago, but the process of maturity never really stops. Twelve days on from that run-chase, England have an even more difficult task: batting out the final day to secure a result they have previously disdained.
England will resume on 72 for 3, needing a further 536 runs to win, after losing both openers and Joe Root last night during a sizzling new-ball burst from Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj. An old-school batting line-up would fancy their chances of survival but England haven’t tried to bat for a draw in almost four years. You can’t just press a button to go into Defensive Mode.
A heavy, humbling defeat – or, from the Indian perspective, a huge, richly deserved victory – is the likeliest scenario. But if England grind out a draw, the cricket world will see them through different-eyes. And nobody will be in any doubt that Team Bazball has matured.
Share
Updated at 10.26 BST