India have carved out a strong position in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, but the weather could yet put a dampener on their attempts to force victory on the final day.
India have never won a Test series in the country, but have got off to a good start in attempting to right that wrong in Centurion. A first-innings century from KL Rahul laid the platform for a total of 327, and despite rain washing out day two, the tourists have continued to keep up their advantage. A five-for from Mohammad Shami helped bowl out the Proteas for 197, and while India could only manage 174 in the third innings, it seems that was at least partly influenced by trying to score quick runs with the danger of inclement weather on the final day.
A late double-strike from Jasprit Bumrah reduced the hosts to 94-4 at stumps, requiring another 211 runs to win. Needing just six wickets, India would ordinarily be heavy favourites, but they will be racing against the weather gods to try and wrap up victory against South Africa.
However, the picture is not as grim as it once was, with the forecasts at one point predicting rain throughout the final day. Now, according to Accuweather, there is a 25 per cent chance of rain in the morning and evening, with that probability rising to 65 per cent during the afternoon.
World Weather Online gives an even more optimistic prediction, with their hour-by-hour forecast suggesting there won’t be any rain between 9am and 4pm. Google Weather, meanwhile, hovers somewhere in the middle of those two forecasts, with precipitation chances between 40 and 60 per cent during the scheduled hours of play.
Play is scheduled to start at 10am local time. Bookmakers Bet365 still have India as favourites, with the draw priced at 3-1.
In essence, the equation for India is as simple as it would otherwise be, but more urgent. Take the final six Proteas wickets as quickly as possible, and hope the rain stays away.
