India vs England 4th Test – Team India’s tactics without Bumrah, Pant.
Match Details
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Dates: Wed, July 23 to Sun, July 27, 2025
Start time: 11:00 AM local, with standard lunch and tea breaks
England currently lead the five-match series 2–1, following tightly-contested victories: by 5 wickets at Leeds, India’s massive win by 336 runs at Birmingham, and England’s thriller by 22 runs at Lord’s
The five-Test series between India and England has now reached a crucial stage. The fourth Test begins on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester. England won the third Test at Lord’s by 22 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Therefore, India must win this match to stay in the series.
Team selection difficult for Team India:
Although the Manchester pitch is good for batting initially, it is said that it will help the spinners as the match progresses. That is why team selection has become a big headache for India. Former players and analysts are pressuring them to take more spinners. In particular, specialist Chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav is with the team, but has not played a single match yet. Given the nature of the pitch, Kuldeep could be crucial in this match, especially in the final days of the match. England batters will struggle to play spin.
Missing important players, perhaps a playing team
Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for this match due to workload. This was the plan at the beginning of the series, and they are trying to prepare him for the final Test. Rishabh Pant, who injured his finger in the Lord’s Test, is also doubtful to play this match. If Pant does not play, Dhruv Jurel will come in as the wicketkeeper. He has impressed a lot in the past matches.
Sai Sudarshan is likely to replace Karun Nair, who has not performed well in this series. India’s probable squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.
England changes Dawson returns:
England, who are leading the series, are also plagued by injuries. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is out with a finger injury. He has been replaced by 35-year-old left-arm spinner Liam Dawson. Dawson last played a Test in 2017. He has recently excelled in county cricket, so his experience on a spin-friendly pitch will be important. Gus Atkinson is also looking for a place in the team.
Pitch report, match prediction:
The Old Trafford pitch is good for batting, with the new ball giving fast bowlers a little more swing. But it also helps the spinners as the match progresses. If you bat first and score 350 runs, that team has a better chance of winning. In the 86 Tests played in Manchester so far, the team batting first has won 32 times.
Series situation:
India have never won a single Test at Old Trafford. They have lost four and drawn five out of nine matches. Since winning this match is a must to win the series, there is a lot of pressure on Captain Shubman Gill and Coach Gautam Gambhir. It remains to be seen how England will handle them on their home soil.
The 4th Test is going to be a tactical battle. Both teams are likely to change their playing XIs, with spin bowling playing a crucial role. It is a win-or-lose match for India; a chance for England to win the series on home soil.
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