England vs India: 4th Test Match Preview
As the India tour of England, 2025 progresses, the highly anticipated 4th Test match between England and India is set to take place at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. The match is scheduled for July 23 at 10:00 am GMT, 03:30 pm IST, and 11:00 am local time.
England’s Dominance and India’s Resilience
England started the series on a high note with a convincing five-wicket victory in Leeds. However, India fought back fiercely in the second Test at Edgbaston, led by a stellar performance from captain Shubman Gill. The third Test at Lord’s was a nail-biting thriller that ended with England securing a 22-run win. Nevertheless, England faced a setback as they were penalized two World Test Championship points for a slow over rate.
As the action shifts to Manchester, the pressure is mounting on India to secure a win in this crucial Test match to keep their hopes of a series victory alive.
Injury Concerns and Team Lineups
England has already announced their playing XI with Liam Dawson replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir. Dawson returns to Test cricket after an eight-year hiatus. On the other hand, India is grappling with injuries as Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh are sidelined. To cover for these absences, Anshul Kamboj has been called in by the BCCI.
Rishabh Pant, who faced difficulties behind the stumps in the previous Test, may focus solely on his batting in Manchester, with Dhruv Jurel expected to take over wicketkeeping duties.
Expected Playing XIs
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair/Sai Sudharshan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
Match Predictions and Weather Report
According to the recent performances of both teams, England has won three of their last five matches, while India has only won one. The toss prediction suggests that the team winning should opt to bat first. The pitch at Emirates Old Trafford typically offers something for everyone, with seamers benefiting early on and spinners coming into play later in the match.
Weather conditions in Manchester on the match day are expected to be cloudy with temperatures around 18°C (64°F). While no rain is forecasted, swing bowlers might enjoy the overhead conditions throughout the day.
As the two cricketing powerhouses lock horns in the 4th Test, fans can expect an intense battle between bat and ball at Emirates Old Trafford. Stay tuned for live updates and match highlights as the action unfolds.
Key Players to Watch Out For
One of the key players to watch out for in the 4th Test match is England’s Ben Stokes. Known for his aggressive batting and crucial breakthroughs with the ball, Stokes has the ability to turn the game in favor of his team single-handedly. His performance in crucial moments can often be the difference between a win and a loss for England.
On the Indian side, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill, who has been in exceptional form throughout the series. Gill’s elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor the innings make him a vital cog in India’s batting lineup. His captaincy decisions will also be crucial in guiding India towards a series-levelling victory.
Strategies and Tactics
With the pitch at Emirates Old Trafford expected to offer assistance to both seamers and spinners, teams will need to strategize their bowling attacks accordingly. England may look to exploit the early swing with their pace bowlers and then introduce spinners like Liam Dawson to capitalize on the wearing pitch conditions.
On the other hand, India might rely on their pace battery led by Jasprit Bumrah to make early inroads into the England batting lineup. The inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja provides India with a quality spinner who can play a crucial role in containing the English batsmen in the middle overs.
Historical Match-ups and Rivalries
The history between England and India in Test cricket is rich with memorable encounters and fierce rivalries. Both teams have a passionate fan base that adds to the intensity of their contests. Matches between the two sides have often been closely fought, with moments of individual brilliance shining through amidst the competition.
Players like Joe Root for England and Rishabh Pant for India have been at the center of many memorable moments in recent years, showcasing their talent and determination on the field. The rivalry between these two cricketing giants adds an extra layer of excitement to every match they play.
Final Thoughts
As the 4th Test match between England and India approaches, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in their ongoing series. With both teams eager to establish their dominance and secure a series victory, the match promises to be a battle of skill, strategy, and resilience.
Fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter as the players take the field at Emirates Old Trafford. The outcome of this match could have far-reaching consequences for the series as a whole, making it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts around the world.
Stay tuned for all the excitement and drama as England and India face off in what promises to be a captivating Test match at Emirates Old Trafford.
