IND vs ENG Fourth Test: Will Anshul burst onto the scene with a loud thud at Old Trafford? Pitch report and more

Following an exhilarating 22‑run victory for England at Lord’s, the focus now shifts to Old Trafford, Manchester, as the fourth Test in this enthralling five‑match series between England and India gets underway from 23 to 27 July. India, spearheaded by Shubman Gill, will aim to rejuvenate their campaign and level the series, while England look to consolidate their advantage.
Match Schedule & Toss

• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
• Dates: 23–27 July
• Start Time: 15:30 IST (10:00 BST) each day
• Toss: Scheduled for 15:00 IST (09:30 BST)

How to Watch in India

• Live Streaming: Available via JioCinema (formerly JioHotstar)
• TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network

Weather Outlook

Manchester is expected to be significantly cooler than London, with daytime temperatures ranging between 14°C and 23°C. The Met Office forecasts spells of rain throughout the Test, potentially affecting play on several occasions—and possibly aiding seam bowlers at Old Trafford.

Pitch Report

Traditionally famed for its pace and bounce, Old Trafford has mellowed in recent years into a more balanced wicket. However, with overcast skies and intermittent showers forecast, conditions may yet favour the quicks—especially early on. Expect fresh Test cricket drama under cloudy skies.

Series So Far

• 1st Test (Leeds): England triumphed by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test (Birmingham): India responded in emphatic style, winning by a colossal 336 runs
• 3rd Test (London): In a nail‑biting contest at Lord’s, England clinched victory by just 22 runs

With England now leading 2–1, the fourth Test presents a pivotal opportunity for both sides. A win for India would reset the series, while another English victory would see them clinching the series.

Team News

India:

Major casualties:

• Nitish Kumar Reddy is out for the remainder of the tour
• Arshdeep Singh is ruled out of Manchester
• Akash Deep also misses this Test due to a groin issue

Strengthened lineup includes:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav/Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj

England:

• Sole change: Liam Dawson replaces the injured Shoaib Bashir (finger injury)
• Likely XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

Tactical Outlook

India:

Bounce negotiation: Adapting to Old Trafford’s slower tracks will be key. Gill and co. will need patience and resilience in the middle order.

Pacer utilisation: Bumrah, Siraj and Anshul must exploit Manchester’s seam-friendly early conditions. Jadeja and Kuldeep will be pivotal in the later phase.

England:

Seam on offer: Stokes & Co. will look to use the atmospheric conditions to their advantage, with Carse and Archer expected to generate movement under cloudy skies.

Batting consistency: England’s top order has been solid; keeping the scoreboard ticking and applying pressure on India will be crucial.

Key Battles to Watch

Shubman Gill vs Jofra Archer/Brydon Carse: Technique against swing

Rishabh Pant vs Liam Dawson: Power-hitting under pressure; spin on a green track

Mohammed Siraj vs Zak Crawley: Can Siraj deliver swing in seamer-friendly conditions?

The Capatains’ Task

While Shubman will want his team to truly stick together, Ben Stokes is likely to remain sanguine and continue pushing for glory.

What to Watch For

Rain interruptions: Potentially affecting timing and over rates

Pace impact: Even with a slower wicket, early new-ball movement could define the frames of play

Mental stamina: Both teams face pressure, but India particularly must respond quickly after setbacks

One for the History Books?

Old Trafford has thrown up classic encounters over the years, and this fourth Test promises much the same. With England seeking a near-series-win and India eyeing a comeback, emotions will ride high. Should the rain hold off and the bowlers fire, fans can expect another chapter in this gripping Anderson-Tendulkar series.

Final Word

This Test feels like a turning point. Will India regroup and revive their campaign, or will England tighten their stranglehold on the series? Stick around through 27 July for what could be the defining moments of this high-stakes Ashes-style showdown—minus the Kangaroos.