The highly anticipated IND vs ENG 4th Test 2025 is set to kick off on July 23, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester. With the series currently poised at 2–1 in England’s favour, this match could either seal the fate of the series for the hosts or revive it for the visitors. After a roller-coaster ride in the first three Tests, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.
Let’s break down everything you need to know — from team news, pitch and weather conditions, to star players to watch and key matchups that could define the outcome.
Table of Contents
🔥 Why This Match Matters
England lead the five-match series 2-1. That means:
- A win for England in Manchester will seal the series 3–1 with a game to spare.
- A win for India will level the series 2–2 and set up a mouth-watering decider at The Oval.
- A draw or a washout helps England maintain their lead.
India, therefore, are under pressure to go all-out, while England have the upper hand but still need to stay cautious.
IND vs ENG 4th Test 2025;
India’s Dilemma: Bumrah or Caution?
India’s biggest headache going into this match revolves around Jasprit Bumrah. The pace spearhead has been phenomenal when he’s played, but with a history of injuries and a packed calendar ahead, the team management must make a bold choice:
- Play Bumrah now to win and level the series.
- Rest him and risk going into the game without their best bowler.
Reports suggest India might be ready to gamble with Bumrah’s fitness, considering what’s at stake. With Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh both ruled out due to injuries, India’s fast-bowling stocks look thin. Youngster Anshul Kamboj could get a surprise debut if Bumrah isn’t picked.
🧠 England’s Smart Adjustment: Liam Dawson Returns
England have mostly stuck with a stable core, but an injury to Shoaib Bashir has prompted them to call up Liam Dawson, the left-arm spinner who last played a Test in 2017. This could be a clever tactical addition considering:
- The pitch might assist spinners later on.
- India have a few left-handers Dawson can challenge.
His inclusion adds variety to an already potent bowling attack featuring Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, and Ollie Robinson.
👥 Probable Playing XIs:IND vs ENG 4th Test 2025
🟦 India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Rajat Patidar
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Jasprit Bumrah / Anshul Kamboj
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mukesh Kumar
- Kuldeep Yadav
🟥 England
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Ollie Pope
- Jonny Bairstow (wk)
- Ben Stokes (captain)
- Liam Dawson
- Chris Woakes
- Jofra Archer
- Ollie Robinson
- James Anderson
🌦️ Pitch & Weather Report: A Game of Patience?
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Start Time: 3:30 PM IST | 11:00 AM Local Time
Pitch Overview:
Old Trafford used to be a pacer’s paradise, but in recent years it’s become a slow, dry surface favoring batters early and spinners later. It offers:
- Good bounce and carry on Day 1 and 2
- Gradual wear and tear from Day 3 onwards
- Assistance for spinners and reverse swing
Steve Harmison recently hinted that the weather might play a big role early on. Intermittent showers can freshen up the pitch, helping seamers find movement.
Weather Forecast:
- Day 1–2: 50–60% chance of rain, especially in morning sessions
- Day 3–4: Likely to be dry and sunny
- Day 5: Cloudy but playable
Rain interruptions may frustrate both sides, but conditions could make the match spicy.
🧩 Key Battles That Could Decide the Test
🆚 Bumrah vs Root
A battle for the ages. Joe Root, England’s anchor, has often been Bumrah’s bunny in recent series. If Bumrah plays, this duel could swing the match either way.
🆚 Pant vs Dawson
If Liam Dawson gets some turn, Rishabh Pant’s aggressive approach will be the perfect counter. Expect fireworks if these two go head-to-head.
🆚 Jaiswal & Gill vs England’s New Ball
India’s openers have had a mixed run. Against the likes of Woakes, Archer, and Anderson, getting through the new ball will be crucial for a solid foundation.
📈 Player Form Guide
🔹 India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – Solid starts, needs to convert
- Shubman Gill – Big century in 2nd Test, now captain; needs consistency
- Rishabh Pant – Gutsy return after injury, already in form
- Kuldeep Yadav – Lethal in turning conditions
- Ashwin & Jadeja – Key if the pitch breaks up
🔴 England
- Joe Root – Classy, dependable, vital to England’s middle order
- Jofra Archer – Bowling sharp, hungry for wickets
- Chris Woakes – England’s go-to man in English conditions
- Ben Stokes – Always ready for the big moments
- Liam Dawson – Under the radar but could be a game-changer
🏆 Series So Far: Recap
- 1st Test – Lord’s: England win by 7 wickets
- 2nd Test – Edgbaston: India bounce back with a commanding victory (Gill double century, Akash Deep 10-wicket haul)
- 3rd Test – Headingley: England dominate again with a strong top-order performance
India’s middle order has been the weak link, while England’s depth has kept them in control.
📣 What Captains Said
Shubman Gill:
“We’ve shown we can fight back. Pant’s return is a massive boost. We’re here to level the series and take it to the final match.”
Ben Stokes:
“We know India won’t give up easily. The key is to stay disciplined, especially if the weather changes things up.”
💡 Match Prediction
This match is a tough one to call. Here’s how it could go:
- If India play Bumrah, bowl first under clouds, and get early wickets — they could win and level the series.
- If England bat first and weather stays clear by Day 3 — they could bat India out and seal the series.
Prediction: A tightly contested match with India slightly ahead if Bumrah plays and rain helps their bowlers.
📺 When & Where to Watch
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network (India)
- Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
- Time: 3:30 PM IST, July 23 onward
✅ Final Words
This 4th Test could be a defining moment not just in the series, but in the careers of players like Shubman Gill, Pant, and even Jofra Archer. India will throw everything at England to stay alive, while the hosts have the chance to wrap things up in front of home fans.
Cricket lovers, buckle up — Manchester promises drama, grit, and Test cricket at its finest!
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