England vs India, 4th Test Preview: Old Trafford Awaits an Exciting Match

Executive Summary: The England vs India Test series heads to Old Trafford, Manchester, for a pivotal fourth Test starting July 23, 2025. With England holding a 2-1 lead and both teams grappling with injuries and selection dilemmas, the stakes could not be higher. India must win to keep the series alive, while England is one victory away from sealing a memorable home triumph.

Setting the Scene: Series So Far

The 2025 England-India Test series has been a rollercoaster, marked by dramatic swings, weather interruptions, and heated debates over the spirit of cricket. England currently leads 2-1 after three fiercely contested matches. The hosts clinched a nail-biting win at Lord’s to edge ahead, while India’s only victory came in the second Test, showcasing their resilience but also exposing their inconsistency. The first Test saw England dominate, with their seamers exploiting home conditions expertly. India bounced back in the second, but the third Test at Lord’s was marred by controversy, with time-wasting tactics and heated exchanges adding spice to the rivalry.

Recent Results

Match Details

• Fixture: 4th Test, England vs India

• Dates: July 23-27, 2025

• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

• Start Time: 11:00 local, 15:30 IST

• Weather: Light rain is forecast across the five days, with overcast skies likely to aid seamers. The pitch has produced big first-innings scores in recent county matches, but recent rain could make conditions tricky for batters early on.

Expected Playing XIs

Both teams are forced into changes due to injuries and form. England have brought in Liam Dawson for the injured Shoaib Bashir, while India are expected to recall Jasprit Bumrah after he passed a fitness test in the nets.

Key Player Statistics

England

India

Series Standings and World Test Championship Context

England’s 2-1 lead means a win in Manchester will secure the series. For India, victory is essential to keep the contest alive and set up a decider at The Oval. Both teams are also eyeing for crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points, with England currently in third place and India in fourth in the WTC table. A series win here could propel either side into the top two, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the 2025 WTC final.

Injury Watch and Selection News

England have suffered a blow with Shoaib Bashir ruled out due to a fractured finger, prompting the recall of left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, who last played a Test in 2017. Dawson’s county form—21 wickets in nine matches—earned him the nod. Jofra Archer, after a careful workload management, retains his place and will be key on a surface expected to offer pace and bounce.

India’s camp has been buoyed by Jasprit Bumrah’s return to fitness after a minor niggle. Mohammed Siraj confirmed in a pre-match interview that Bumrah is “definitely playing,” which should bolster India’s attack. The visitors, however, remain without KL Rahul and Mohammed Shami, both still recovering from injuries.

Expert Analysis: Tactics, Trends, and Talking Points

England’s Approach

Ben Stokes’ England have stuck to their aggressive “Bazball” ethos, but the inclusion of Dawson hints at a more balanced attack, especially if the pitch takes turn later in the match. The top order, led by Root and Crawley, has been consistent, but the middle order remains vulnerable to quality pace.

India’s Challenge

India’s batting has been patchy, with Jaiswal and Gill providing the only real consistency. Virat Kohli’s form is under the microscope, and the team will need a big innings from their talisman. The return of Bumrah is a massive boost, but the rest of the attack must step up, especially if conditions favor swing and seam.

The Old Trafford Factor

Old Trafford has traditionally aided seamers early, with spinners coming into play as the match progresses. Overcast conditions could make batting tricky on the first two days, and both captains may look to bowl first if they win the toss.

Future Implications and Predictions

Should England clinch the series in Manchester, it will mark their first home Test series win over India since 2018 and reinforce their resurgence under Stokes and McCullum. For India, a win would keep alive hopes of a first series triumph in England since 2007 and inject much-needed momentum into a transitional squad.

Given the weather, the toss could prove decisive. If India’s top order can weather the new ball and Bumrah finds his rhythm, expect a close contest. However, England’s depth and home advantage make them slight favorites.

Squads

England: Ben Stokes (c), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir (injured), Gus Atkinson.

India: Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj.

As the clouds gather over Manchester, anticipation is at fever pitch. The fourth Test promises high drama, with history, pride, and World Test Championship points all on the line.