England vs India 4th Test 2025: As the battle for the newly named Anderson Tendulkar trophy ranges on, the Indian cricket team finds itself in familiar territory under pressure , wounded by defeat and starting at an age-old curse they have never broken .
The fourth test beings on July 23 at old Trafford Manchester and India must win to keep the series alive with England currently leading 2-1, The last match at Lord’s was a heart breaker , despite controlling large phases of the game fell to a narrow 22 run loss thanks to England’ s girt and India’ s middle order collapse .
But if there’s one thing This Indian team has shown under Shubham Gill , It’s resilience . The second Test at Edgbaston proved that India bounce back spectacularly with a Historic win ending 58 years winless streak at the venue , Now they must repeat act as Manchester , a ground they have won in 89 years of trying.
The Old Trafford Jinx
India’s record at Old Trafford is dismal: 9 tests , 4 defeats , and 5 draws . The venue has been a fortress for England and the puzzle of India . Since their first Test venue in 1936 under the Maharajah of Vizianagaram , India have come close but never crossed the finish line. The ghosts of the past are real but so is the present strength of this Indian team.
Subman Gill era beings
Gill now firmly in the saddle as a captain has led by example . With 607 runs in the series so far including a monumental double century at Edgbaston he has answered every question with his bat . His form will be vital especially with India’ s Injury plagued squad . Fast blower Mohamed Siraj has also stepped up leading the Wicket charts with 13 Scalps including a fiery six wicket haul in the second test . But Siraj now needs support as India ‘ s blowing arsenal is under strain
Injury Concerns and new faces
India’ s campaign has taken a hit with injuries to key players :
- Nitish Kumar Reddy ( left knee injury)
- Akash deep ( groin strain )
- Arshdeep Singh ( fractured tump)
As a result , Anshul Kamboj, a 24 year old pacer from Haryana has been called up as cover . Also in contention are Sai Sudharasan and Pradish Krishna both of whom bring youthful energy and IPL confidence . The batting order, often vulnerable under pressure, may benefit from Sudarshan clam approach .
England Hold the edge
Ben Stokes and co . are high on momentum and morale . With Joe Root , Harry Brook’ and Zack Crawley Solid at the top and Jofra Archer and Chris woakes threatening with the ball , England look settled . They made just one change Liam Dawson replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir as a spin option.
Old Trafford offers spin and seam and Dawson’ s experience could be key . England’s strategy will likely be to wear down India’ s blows with long partnerships and then unleash reverse swing when the ball gets old .
England vs India 4th Test – What’s at stake?
For England a win here seals the series with the one match to spare . For India this is a character , Depth and adaptability . A victory not only leveled the series but also rewrote a painful chapter in the Indian Test history at Old Trafford . The reward is massive, the challenge even more so . But history has shown , India has a habit of doing the improbable especially when cornered .
England vs India 4th Test Playing XI
England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer
India Probable (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Anshul Kamboj
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