England vs India: 4th Test Match Preview
As the England vs India 4th Test match of the India tour of England 2025 approaches, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating another exciting clash between these two powerhouse teams. Scheduled to take place at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on July 23, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.
England’s Performance So Far
England started the series on a high note with a convincing five-wicket victory in Leeds. However, India bounced back in the second Test at Edgbaston, setting the stage for an intense battle. The third Test at Lord’s went down to the wire, with England emerging victorious by a narrow margin. Despite their win, England faced a setback as they were penalized two World Test Championship points for a slow over rate.
Heading into the 4th Test, England has made just one change to their playing XI, with Liam Dawson replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir. This match marks Dawson’s return to Test cricket after an eight-year hiatus.
India’s Challenges
On the other hand, India is grappling with a series of injuries. The team will be without Nitish Kumar Reddy due to a knee issue, while Akash Deep is recovering from an injury. Arshdeep Singh, who was likely to replace Akash Deep, also suffered a left thumb injury during practice. In response, the BCCI has called in Anshul Kamboj as cover.
Moreover, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s form has been under scrutiny, leading to speculation that he might play solely as a batter in the upcoming Test, with Dhruv Jurel taking over wicketkeeping duties.
Possible Playing XI
England’s likely playing XI includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer. Meanwhile, India is expected to field Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair or Sai Sudharshan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj.
Match Prediction and Weather Report
With the series hanging in the balance, India will be under pressure to secure a win in Manchester to keep their hopes of a series victory alive. The toss prediction favors batting first, given the conditions at Emirates Old Trafford. The weather is expected to be cloudy with cool temperatures, providing swing bowlers an advantage.
This match promises to be a captivating showdown between England and India, with both teams aiming to outshine each other on the field. Cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as they witness the drama unfold at Emirates Old Trafford on July 23.
Key Players to Watch
One key player to watch in this upcoming match is Ben Stokes from England. Stokes, known for his all-round abilities, has the potential to turn the game around with both bat and ball. His aggressive style of play can put pressure on the Indian bowlers and provide crucial breakthroughs for his team.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah will be a crucial player to keep an eye on. Bumrah’s exceptional bowling skills, especially in the death overs, can trouble the English batsmen. His ability to bowl yorkers and variations in pace make him a formidable opponent on any pitch.
Team Strategies
England, with home advantage, may look to capitalize on the swing-friendly conditions at Emirates Old Trafford. Their pace attack, led by Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes, will aim to exploit the overcast conditions and make early inroads into the Indian batting lineup. Additionally, the inclusion of Liam Dawson provides England with a spin option to counter the Indian batsmen.
India, on the other hand, will need their batsmen to step up and put runs on the board. With the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the lineup, India has the firepower to take the game away from England. Their bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will look to contain the English batsmen and pick up key wickets at crucial junctures.
Historical Significance
The rivalry between England and India in Test cricket dates back to over a century. Both teams have a rich history of intense battles and memorable performances. Matches between these two cricketing giants have often produced thrilling moments and nail-biting finishes, adding to the allure of this upcoming Test match.
Emirates Old Trafford, with its storied past and iconic status in English cricket, adds an extra layer of significance to this match. The venue has witnessed some historic encounters over the years, and the England vs India clash is set to continue that tradition of enthralling cricket.
Final Thoughts
As the anticipation builds for the 4th Test match between England and India, cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting another chapter in this storied rivalry. With both teams boasting talented players and a hunger for victory, the stage is set for a riveting contest at Emirates Old Trafford.
Whether England can maintain their momentum and secure a series win, or if India can bounce back and level the series, remains to be seen. One thing is for certain – cricket enthusiasts can expect a spectacle of skill, determination, and sportsmanship as these two cricketing powerhouses battle it out on the field.
