IND vs SA: Is rain going to play spoilsport again on Day 4? Here is the answer

India registered a convincing 146-run lead at stumps of the third day of the first Test of the India’s tour of South Africa in Centurion. A day which experienced the fall of 18 wickets eventually saw India vice-captain KL Rahul and Shardul Thakur remain unbeaten after scoring 16/1 in six overs in their second innings.

At a crucial juncture like this weather can be a highly decisive factor in the game. So, what does the weather report say?

Weather update

The Centurion ground might have given some hints of being a batting paradise on Day 3 but it is highly unlikely that the pitch will have such characteristics for too long as the Centurion skies are expected to get cloudier from Wednesday, December 29. 

As per Accuweather, on Day 4, the morning session might not be interrupted by rain as the sky is expected to be clear. But around 1 pm (local time), there are chances of thunderstorms in some parts. But Virat Kohli-led Indian team and their fans will surely be praying that the Centurion venue does not receive any rainfall. The daytime temperatures might slightly increase up to 28.2°C.

However, the thunderstorm is expected to last a couple of hours. It is predicted that the evening will be an ideal time for the exciting contest between India and South Africa to be played. 

Chances of rainfall

The probabilities of rainfall for the day will rise to 20 per cent. This might not end up halting the game but if the overall conditions get more overcast, then fast bowlers will indeed gain some advantage. Needless to say that, this type of weather helps the bowlers to get more swing and move the ball in the air.

Probability of rain might hover around 51 per cent in the second session. The rain probability might decrease to less than 20 per cent in the evening session.

South Africa cricket fans, on the other hand, however, might wish for some rain on Day Four if the situation does not turn out to be favourable for them. The Proteas did not seem to be convincing enough with the bat and now the bowlers will have to show an amazing display in order to control the game.