As we head into the 4th Test of the India vs England series, all eyes are on Old Trafford, Manchester, where things are set to get intense from July 23 to 27. England currently holds a 2–1 lead in the five-match series after a nail-biting win in the third Test at Lord’s. Now, with both teams battling injuries and pressure, this match feels like a turning point.
Let’s break it all down — what’s changed, who’s playing, and what’s at stake.
📍Match Overview: What’s Coming Up in Manchester
🗓️ Date, Time & Venue
- Date: July 23–27
- Time: 11:00 AM local (3:30 PM IST)
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Series Status: England leads 2–1
- Streaming: The match will be broadcast live on most major sports networks
🏏 England’s Surprise Move: Liam Dawson Is Back
One of the biggest stories heading into this match is the return of Liam Dawson, who’s been drafted in after Shoaib Bashir fractured a finger during the third Test. It’s Dawson’s first Test appearance in eight years, and the move signals England’s intent to beef up their spin attack on a pitch that might turn later in the game.
Dawson’s inclusion might be low-key, but it reflects just how tactical this series has become. With conditions in Manchester historically helping spinners on Days 4 and 5, his experience could come in handy.
🇮🇳 India’s Injury Puzzle
India isn’t exactly short on talent, but they are short on fit bowlers.
- Jasprit Bumrah, the pace spearhead, is likely to play after workload concerns.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh are officially out.
- Akash Deep is still doubtful due to a niggle.
- Uncapped pacer Anshul Kamboj might get a shock debut due to the injury list.
- On the positive side, Rishabh Pant is back to full training and should be ready behind the stumps.
This Test could see India field a bowling attack that looks very different from what they’d originally planned. A few fresh faces, a lot of responsibility on Bumrah’s shoulders, and perhaps even some spin surprises.
⛅Pitch & Weather Report: What the Conditions Say
Old Trafford usually offers some movement early on for fast bowlers. But the real twist comes later — spin tends to come into play as the match wears on. It’s not a flat wicket, so patience will be key for batters on both sides.
Weather-wise, there’s a chance of light rain mid-week, but nothing extreme is forecast yet. That said, it’s Manchester — a drizzle is almost tradition here.
🧮 What’s at stake?
For England, a win here seals the series — and would be a massive statement at home against one of the world’s top Test sides.
For India, this match is do-or-die if they want to keep the series alive. They haven’t won a single Test at Old Trafford in nine attempts, so history isn’t exactly on their side. But with players like Bumrah and Pant returning, and the motivation to level the series, don’t count them out just yet.
👀 Key Players to Watch in the 4th Test
- Joe Root: After a quiet third Test, Root will be itching to bounce back.
- Rohit Sharma: Needs a big knock at the top to set the tone.
- Ben Stokes: Captain Fantastic has been clutch — expect him to influence with bat or ball.
- Jasprit Bumrah: If he’s fully fit, India’s chances rise dramatically.
Final Thoughts
This 4th Test is set up beautifully. England has momentum, but India is desperate and dangerous when cornered. With both teams battling fatigue, injuries, and pressure, the Old Trafford Test promises drama, tension, and maybe even a few surprises.
Will India finally break their Manchester curse? Or will England close it out early? We’ll find out soon — but one thing’s for sure: this is one you won’t want to miss.
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