Rain might have hampered England's chances of taking a major step towards a victory in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, but the hosts will hope for some better weather come Saturday as they look to hammer a couple of telling nails into India's coffin.
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The third day's play in Manchester is set for a 11 pm local time (3.30 pm IST, 6 am ET) start with live coverage on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports HD1 in India. The match can also be watched via live streaming online HERE in India. Catch the match in the US on ESPN 3 or by live streaming HERE. Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports 2 and listen to the action on BBC Radio Five Live Extra. Live stream the action HERE or HERE, while viewers can also listen to the proceedings on Day 3 HERE.
Having bundled India out for just 152 in the first innings on day one, England were on 237 for six, a lead of 85 runs, when rain came pouring down early in the second session.
India had done reasonably well to put England on 170 for six, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Varun Aaron impressing, only to see Joe Root and Jos Buttler put on a 67-run unbeaten partnership to extend that lead for the home team.
"We're in a good place in the game," Ian Bell, who made 58, told ECB's official website on Friday. "Hopefully we can really extend that tomorrow.
"Joe Root and Jos Buttler at the end there got us right back on track and a few more tomorrow, maybe a 150 lead, would put us in a great position."
A lead of 85 already looks ominous on this pitch, which is helping the faster bowlers, mainly due to the overhead conditions, and India will want to shut England out as soon as possible come Day 3 morning.
One of the key players who could fetch those final four wickets for India will be Aaron, whose pace and wicket taking ability has caused England a few problems already.
"When I got operated a year and a half back in London, playing this series was one of my targets," Aaron said. "I am glad I am here, finally playing again and that I've had a decent match so far.
"I was bowling a lot in the nets when I wasn't playing and I felt good even then. I am glad I could carry that rhythm into the match."
Aaron feels India have a good chance of winning the Test match even if England finish with a lead of over 100 runs. "England are ahead in the game right now but not by a vast margin," he added. "If we have some quick wickets, even a 100-odd run lead is quite manageable on this wicket.
"The wicket has changed drastically from what we saw in the first session of the Test and I am sure it will get flatter as we progress."
Rain might cause a few more delays in this match over the next three days, but England's Bell is hopeful his side get enough time to force a result on what he called was a "brilliant cricket wicket."
"Forecast-wise, it's going to be a bit overcast I think all week," Bell said. "I'd expect the ball to swing through the game.
"I think it's been a brilliant cricket wicket so far. It's a shame what's happened this afternoon has halted the game, but it's a really good cricket pitch.
"You have to work hard for your runs, but you can play your shots and there's a little bit there for the bowlers, which is exactly what we want."
