New Delhi: As many as 26 overs were lost due to rain on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at the Oval cricket ground in London. The final Test of what has been an exhilirating series is crucial for both teams with India, trailing 1-2, fighting to restroe parity and England gunning for a win to wrap up the series.

However, rain is expected to play a big part in the outcome of the match. Rain could prove to be a big hindrance for India, for whom a win is the only favourable result. Meanwhile, England will happily take a draw in case rain eats up the overs and time from the match.

Will rain disrupt Day 2 action?

Like Day 1, rain is expected to play spoilsport on Day 2 as well. The opening day action happened under overcast conditions, which aided the England fast bowlers, who made life difficult for the Indian batters. The visitors reached 204 runs for 6 in 64 overs on the first day, with Karun Nair unbeaten on 52 after reaching a superb fifty under pressure and Washington Sundar remaining not out on 19.

If conditions remain similar, bowlers are likely to have a field day at The Oval.

According to the Met department data from London, Friday, August 1, is set to be overcast for the majority of the day with heavy chances of rain on Day 2 of the game. However, unlike Thursday, rain interruptions are unlikely to happen in the opening two sessions, with heavy showers expected to disrupt proceedings in the final session of the day, which might force an early close to the day.

As per the forecast, the temperatures will hover around 15-16 degrees Celsius.

While India lost six batters in challenging conditions, they would be happy to cross the 200-run mark at Stumps. The kind of conditions and pitch on offer, English bowlers would feel they could have done more damage. Gus Atkinson (2/31) and Josh Tongue (2/47) were the pick of the bowlers on Day 1.