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IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain has reckoned that the Men in Blue would be under immense pressure to win the second Test match as the fifth day will decide whether they can take the remaining seven wickets in order to level the ongoing the series in Birmingham. The beginning of the fifth day got delayed owing to incessant rain and that only made things complicated for them since they started their defense of the target of 608 runs on a high by taking three wickets during the last session on the fourth day. “There is a lot of pressure on India. You must think a lot of England to set them 600. If they get a draw, people will question why they batted for so long and whether Gill trusts his attack. I believe he does, but today will reveal if they can secure those seven wickets" Hussain was quoted as saying on Sky Sports.

He also suggested that the Ben Stokes-led side should try to play with positive intent once it stops raining. “I think the focus is on taking the seven wickets rather than the target, but also on how England play. They rarely find themselves in this situation and have stated they don’t play for draws. They need to show positive intent and avoid going into their shell. Blocking isn’t ideal, but neither is recklessness. It’s about winning the series, not just a single Test" he added.

What Happens If Rain Washes Out Day 5?

The ex-England cricketer Mark Boucher has revealed that if rain does help England in ensuring a tie at Birmingham, then it should be seen as a victory. “It doesn’t require much of a mindset shift for England to consider the draw. Escaping from this game can be seen as a victory in itself. England often speaks of being in the entertainment business. We remember entertaining draws, with fans on the edge of their seats as a wicket was needed with three overs left or similar scenarios. Are fans more entertained by a collapse or by holding on by the skin of their teeth at the end of the day?" Boucher was quoted as saying on Sky Sports.

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“The answer is clear. It would be a significant achievement for this team if they manage to do it. Additionally, India’s late declaration last night should serve as motivation. They have given England a golden chance to escape without losing a match they should have been overwhelmed in. Use that to your advantage," he concluded.