Can India Overcome England at Old Trafford in the 4th Test?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As India faces England in the 4th Test at Old Trafford, the stakes are high with India trailing 1-2 in the series. Will they find resilience and rewrite the narrative, or will England assert their dominance? Stay tuned to discover the unfolding drama of this gripping encounter!
Key Takeaways
- India needs to bounce back after trailing 1-2 in the series.
- Key players like Gill and Bumrah will be crucial for India.
- Ben Stokes and Joe Root are pivotal for England's chances.
- The weather may impact the first two days of play.
- The match could be a historic opportunity for India.
Manchester, July 22 (NationPress) As India and England prepare for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, starting Wednesday, the drama, intensity, and unpredictability of this captivating series are set to continue. Currently, India is trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, and the sting from their previous loss at Lord’s remains fresh. With run-outs that were avoidable and shots that could have been executed better, the visitors are eager to turn the tide.
Captain Shubman Gill is placing his hopes on Jasprit Bumrah, whose knack for altering outcomes might be just what India needs. Due to injuries, Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy are out, potentially paving the way for B. Sai Sudharsan to take the No. 3 spot, while either Prasidh Krishna or the uncapped Anshul Kamboj could fill in as the third seamer.
Kamboj made headlines last season by capturing all ten wickets in a single Ranji Trophy innings. The selection could also favor seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur over Washington Sundar based on conditions.
The batting lineup is a blend of resilience and form. Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to shine, KL Rahul returns to open, and the in-form Gill leads from No. 4. However, the spotlight is on Rishabh Pant. His journey this series has been a rollercoaster, highlighted by a crucial mistake at Lord’s and a courageous knock, despite an injured left hand.
The eight-day break prior to this Test has allowed him to recuperate, but which version of Pant will we see in Manchester? Will it be the game-changer who plays on the edge, or a more cautious player still recovering?
India has successfully bounced back in Test series before—against West Indies in 1974-75 and Australia in 1977-78—though they lost the decisive matches. This encounter offers not just a chance to keep the series alive but also to make history. England, however, is familiar with this scenario; they have seldom failed to convert a 2-0 lead into a series victory, with only one instance when Don Bradman turned the tables in 1936-37.
Yet, England is focused on the present. Ben Stokes, after exerting himself at Lord’s, returns refreshed and will lead a team willing to push through pain and fatigue. Jofra Archer, having played only 18 overs of first-class cricket in four years, is back with a vengeance, displaying impressive pace.
Shoaib Bashir, the hero of the last victory, is sidelined with a broken hand, allowing Liam Dawson to make a Test return after eight years. Dawson has shown remarkable form in first-class cricket—12 of his 15 five-wicket hauls have come since 2021, including three ten-wicket hauls.
Zak Crawley is also undergoing a transformation. The aggressive batsman who once opened the Ashes with a boundary is now adopting a more patient approach. His 128 runs in this series have come off 261 balls, a significant change in style. He played a crucial role in the successful 371-run chase in the first Test, but his average has dipped, drawing external scrutiny.
Joe Root, the former England captain, is on the brink of achieving a remarkable milestone. His 13,259 Test runs place him fifth on the all-time list, and with just 120 more, he could surpass Ricky Ponting into second place. His skill, composure, and consistency are vital for England’s batting lineup.
The pitch at Manchester is anticipated to be quick and bouncy, with the Dukes ball providing assistance to bowlers willing to put in the effort. Batters will find rewards for their shots, provided they can withstand the pace. However, weather conditions may pose challenges, with rain expected on the first two days.
Squads:
India: Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj.
England: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
When: Wednesday, July 23, 3:30 PM IST
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
Where to watch: Sony Sports network for live broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming
Point of View
Our commitment remains steadfast in supporting our team. The upcoming Test is not just about numbers; it's about honor, resilience, and the spirit of cricket. India's rich history of overcoming challenges gives us hope, and we stand firmly behind our players as they strive to reclaim their position in this series.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the series between India and England?
India currently trails England 1-2 in the five-match series.
Who are the key players to watch in the 4th Test?
Key players include Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant for India, while England's Ben Stokes and Joe Root are crucial for their side.
Where can I watch the 4th Test live?
The match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports network and can be streamed on JioHotstar.
What conditions are expected at Old Trafford?
The pitch is expected to be quick and bouncy, providing assistance to seam bowlers. However, rain is predicted on the first two days.
How has Rishabh Pant performed in the series so far?
Rishabh Pant's performance has been inconsistent; he made a game-changing mistake at Lord's but also delivered a brave innings despite injury.
