Old Trafford Test Preview 2025: India vs England 4th Test Match Build-Up
Old Trafford Test Preview 2025 is all about high tension, tactical adjustments, and the pressure of a close Test series. As India and England prepare for the fourth match of the five-Test series in Manchester, the atmosphere is anything but relaxed. Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
Two days before the match, Old Trafford was unusually quiet. Unlike the hustle during most Test weeks, players seemed to be operating on autopilot. Just outside in Deansgate, Manchester was gearing up for its annual Manchester Day celebrations, but inside the stadium, players from both teams were focused on resting and preparing after a high-intensity three Tests. Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
🎯 Pant Lightens the Mood
After the fierce contest at Lord’s, it was Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant who lightened the mood. As India finished their training and England began theirs, Pant kicked a football towards Ollie Pope, hitting him playfully and pretending to appeal for an LBW. It was a small moment of humour in an otherwise tense series.
🏋️♂️ Physical and Mental Toll
The first three Tests have taken a serious toll on players. England’s Ben Stokes bowled back-to-back long spells and admitted he could barely move afterward. Jofra Archer collapsed in exhaustion after taking the final wicket at Lord’s — his first Test in four years. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s ace pacer, bowled hard overs and even faced 54 deliveries under pressure in a losing cause. Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
Both teams have lost players to injury and needed replacements. The break between Tests has helped them recover, but with the scoreline at 2-1 in England’s favour, the pressure is building.
🧠 Mental Struggles
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj admitted that he couldn’t forget the last ball of the previous Test — a perfect shot that still got him bowled. The series has been full of close moments, and one small mistake has often changed the result.
India needs to win both the remaining matches to win the series — something they haven’t done in England since 2007. England, on the other hand, just needs one more win to seal the series.
⚔️ Shubman Gill Fires Back
Ahead of the fourth Test, India captain Shubman Gill accused England of wasting time during the previous match. He brought up the “spirit of cricket,” hinting that England had played dirty. This adds more fire to the contest.
🌧️ Weather and Pitch Report
The match is scheduled from July 23 to 27, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester. Light rain is expected throughout the week, which could disrupt play. The pitch has previously offered big first-innings scores in county matches, but overcast conditions may help fast bowlers. Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
Interestingly, no team has ever won a Test at Old Trafford after choosing to bowl first. So, winning the toss will bring a tough decision. Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
🔍 Team News: England
England has made one change. Liam Dawson replaces the injured Shoaib Bashir. Dawson, a left-arm spinner and a solid batter with 18 first-class centuries, adds depth to both bowling and batting.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer
🔍 Team News: India
India has some tough decisions to make. Jasprit Bumrah will definitely play, but the third pacer spot is open due to Akash Deep’s injury. The choice is between Prasidh Krishna and newcomer Anshul Kamboj.
India also has to decide whether to include a second spinner. Sai Sudharsan may come in as a specialist batter, replacing Nitish Reddy. Shardul Thakur might replace Washington Sundar if India wants more pace options.
Probable India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Anshul Kamboj
🔢 Interesting Stats
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Sachin Tendulkar’s first Test century was the last time an Indian scored a hundred at Old Trafford.
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India has played just once at this venue in 30 years. Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
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Joe Root needs only 120 runs to surpass Ricky Ponting and become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
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Liam Dawson made his debut in 2016 against India, the same match where Karun Nair scored 303*.
🗣️ What They Said
Ben Stokes (England captain):
“There’s always going to be some heat in a big Test series. It’s not about going at each other, but intense moments are natural.” Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
Shubman Gill (India captain):
“We planned before the series that we might need different combinations for each game. We’re adjusting as needed.” Old Trafford Test Preview 2025
🧠 Summary:
The Old Trafford Test Preview 2025 highlights the pressure, fatigue, and tactical uncertainty surrounding both England and India. With rain on the radar and the series in balance, both teams face huge challenges. Can India bounce back and level the series, or will England seal the deal in Manchester? The fourth Test promises to be a dramatic chapter in this intense cricket story.
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