England vs India 4th Test 2025 Preview: India Seek Fightback at Old Trafford

England vs India 4th Test Preview: Old Trafford Showdown

The fourth Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy begins on July 23, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester. With England leading the five‑match series 2–1, India are under pressure to level the score. This match preview covers everything from team selections to pitch conditions and major rivalries.

Form & Stakes

India:

• Jasprit Bumrah returns, boosting India’s pace attack significantly SI.
• Rishabh Pant is fit to keep wickets ESPN Cricinfo+15ESPN Cricinfo+15SportsMint Media+15.
• Sai Sudharsan likely replaces Nitish Kumar Reddy; Anshul Kamboj could debut.

England:

• Recalled Liam Dawson adds spin depth Wikipedia+5ESPN.com+5SportsMint Media+5.
• Seam attack to feature veterans like Joe Root, Jofra Archer, and Ben Stokes ESPN Cricinfo+15

Key Battles & Performers to Watch

• Joe Root stands on the verge of surpassing Ricky Ponting’s Test runs tally. His form at Old Trafford has been stellar: averaging 65 with nearly 1,000 runs here ESPN Cricinfo+15Talksport+15SI+15.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan will lead India’s top order. On Day 1, India's batting was solid with Jaiswal (58), Rahul (46), and Sudharsan (61) before bad light intervened Wikipedia+6The Guardian+6SportsMint Media+6.
• India’s pace duo Bumrah + Mohammed Siraj need to unsettle England's middle order early ESPN.com+3ESPN Cricinfo+3SportsMint Media+3.
• Harry Brook and Ollie Pope will be key for England’s lower middle-order — notable recent form adds firepower

How & Where to Watch

• TV: Sony Sports Network (India), Sky Sports (UK)
• Streaming: JioHotstar in India; other platforms globally

Verdict

The 4th Test promises high stakes, with India needing a breakthrough at a historically tough venue and England seeking to seal the series. The returning star Bumrah, Root’s giant chase for records, and the pitch/wear dynamics make this a gripping contest. Expect tight games, momentum swings, and a fierce battle for Test supremacy in the Anderson–Tendulkar era.