- Date: 23–27 July 2025
- Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
- Fixture: England vs India, 4th Test, India in England 2025
Match Overview
With the historic backdrop of Old Trafford, the 4th Test between England and India promises high drama as the series stands delicately poised. England, leading 2-1 after a rollercoaster of first three Tests, are keen to wrap up the series, while India needs a win to stay alive. The match begins Wednesday, July 23, and the weathered cricket fans of Manchester will be hoping for another thriller reminiscent of this summer’s topsy-turvy encounters.
Both teams come into this game with compelling storylines. England’s recent performance saw them clinch the 3rd Test at Lord’s by 22 runs—an intense, low-scoring affair where bowlers dominated. Previously, England suffered a hefty defeat despite giant total posts at Leeds, but bounced back in the most recent outing, showing grit and tenacity under pressure. India, on the other hand, have been hit and miss: an epic run chase in Leeds, a hard-fought battle in Lord’s that ended in heartbreak, and a close loss that exposed vulnerabilities under English skies.
As the stakes rise, injuries have come into sharp focus for both sides. India are forced to do without two key players: all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is out for the remainder of the series after a knee injury—a real blow to their lower-middle order and bowling flexibility. Also, left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh misses the 4th Test due to a thumb injury picked up in training—removing a crucial power-play weapon from India’s arsenal. England, for their part, are also patching up, with Shoaib Bashir ruled out earlier in the series. Both squads are juggling their options but India especially will worry that their bench is being tested at a critical juncture.
Aside from individual setbacks, the venue itself adds intrigue. Historically, Old Trafford has not been kind to Indian teams: in nine previous attempts, India have never won a Test here. The pitch looks lively, with a green top and a damp outfield suggesting seam and swing could dominate. Overcast conditions and a lively surface are expected to favour the fast bowlers, making first-innings batting a true examination of technique and temperament. Both skippers, Ben Stokes and Shubman Gill, will be pondering selections, especially in the bowling department, as early breakthroughs could prove pivotal in determining the match’s direction.
Recent Form
Both teams are coming in with inconsistent form:
- England: W L W L L (most recent first)
- India: L W L D L
- 3rd Test: England edged India with a 22-run win at Lord’s, successfully defending a modest total in a tense finale.
- 2nd Test: India won by a record margin, dominating with both bat and ball.
- 1st Test: A hard-fought England win, with both teams trading blows and individual hundreds lighting up proceedings.
Key Players to Watch
- England:
- Ben Stokes: The captain’s gritty runs and dynamic bowling always change the game’s momentum.
- Joe Root: Fresh from a vital hundred in the previous Test. His mastery against both spin and pace will be crucial.
- Jofra Archer: The Old Trafford pitch is tailor-made for his pace and bounce.
- Jamie Smith: Adds depth to England’s batting and is fast becoming an integral part of the Test setup.
- India:
- Shubman Gill: Captain and run-machine, Gill’s form is pivotal and he has notched major scores in the series.
- Rishabh Pant: Despite a finger niggle, his counter-attacking prowess can change sessions in a blink.
- Jasprit Bumrah: England’s nemesis with the new ball; he’s the series’ top wicket-taker in SENA countries.
- Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder is a game-changer with bat, ball, and in the field—especially if the surface offers spin later on.
Match Prediction
Given Manchester’s traditional fare for fast bowlers and the green top on offer, expect early wickets and fluctuating fortunes. England’s confidence—buoyed by their formidable record at Old Trafford—gives them an edge, but India’s hunger, driven by the need to level the series, should make this a tense contest. Expect a tight, low-to-moderate scoring match with the first-innings runs absolutely critical. If overcast conditions persist, England’s seamers might tip the balance, but don’t bet against a fighting Indian comeback, especially if Gill and Pant spend time in the middle.
Betting Markets
| Market | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| England Win | 11/10 | Bet Now |
| India Win | 2/1 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 3/1 | Bet Now |
| Top England Batter | 3/1 (Root) | Bet Now |
| Top India Batter | 4/1 (Gill) | Bet Now |
| Most 1st Innings Wickets | 7/2 (Bumrah) | Bet Now |
| Century in the Match | 5/6 | Bet Now |
All odds indicative; check the link for updates and options.
Get ready for one of the summer’s defining battles: Manchester awaits, with history, rivalry, and plenty of drama on tap.
