Ultimate Preview: England vs India 4th Test at Old Trafford – July 23, 2025

Shubman Gill under pressure for 4th test: After strong form and consecutive centuries, Gill must deliver again, says pundit Manjrekar

The pivotal 4th Test between England and India begins at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, running through Sunday, July 27, with play starting each day at 11 AM local | 3:30 PM IST  . England lead the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series 2–1, after wins at Headingley and Lord’s and India’s lone victory at Edgbaston. This match is India's last realistic shot to level the series and force a decider at The Oval  .

🎯 Headlines to Watch

England’s Bold XI Move

Liam Dawson returns (replacing injured Shoaib Bashir), adding spin depth and batting lower order solidity  .

Jofra Archer is back, fresh from a five-wicket haul at Lord’s, adding pace firepower and Ashes prep momentum  .

India’s Crunch Decisions

Jasprit Bumrah looks set to return after rest, giving India a potent spearhead  .

Fitness calls around Akash Deep are ongoing—any absence here could significantly weaken India’s seam attack  .

Vice-captain Rishabh Pant may break records and boost confidence if he starts  .

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📍 Old Trafford Pitch & Weather

Pitch Outlook

Early swing and seam likely as the pitch shows green tinge and damp outfield—ideal for fast bowlers  .

Over time, the surface may flatten, helping spinners—a classic Manchester Test progression  .

Historically, India has never won a Test here (0 wins in 9 matches)—a major hurdle to overcome  .

Weather Watch

Rain could disrupt play early on, but conditions expected to clear mid-match, reviving pitch liveliness  .

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🕵️ Key Matchups

Joe Root vs Indian seamers: Root has a strong Old Trafford record (978 Test runs at average 65.2)—England rely on his anchor role  .

Shubman Gill under pressure: After strong form and consecutive centuries, Gill must deliver again, says pundit Manjrekar  .

Harry Brook’s aggression: England’s aggressive shift under Brendon McCullum and Brook’s approach may continue to unsettle India  .

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🌟 Prediction & Fantasy Picks

England are slight favourites due to home conditions and seam-friendly pitch.

Fantasy top picks: Archer, Root, Bumrah, Gill, Pant—batsmen and bowlers expected to dominate.

Toss will be crucial—winning captain may choose to bat first to exploit early conditions.

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✅ Summary

This "must-win" 4th Test at Old Trafford offers one last chance for India to level the series and one more opportunity for England to clinch victory before The Oval decider. Watch the weather, pitch evolution, and key player battles to inform your match-day expectations.