England vs India: 4th Test Match Preview
Match Details:
Match: England vs India(ENG vs IND), 4th Test Match, India tour of England, 2025
Date and Time: July 23, 10:00 am GMT / 03:30 pm IST / 11:00 am local time
Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
England vs India Preview:
As the India tour of England, 2025 progresses, England (ENG) is gearing up to face India (IND) in the 4th Test match at Lord’s on Wednesday, July 23. The series has been an enthralling one so far, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and resilience.
After a strong start with a five-wicket victory in Leeds, England seemed to have the upper hand. However, India fought back in the second Test at Edgbaston, led by captain Shubman Gill’s impressive performance. The third Test at Lord’s was a nail-biter that saw England clinch a narrow 22-run win after an intense battle that went down to the wire. Despite the victory, England faced a setback with a penalty of two World Test Championship points due to a slow over rate.
With the series now moving to Manchester, the pressure is on India to secure a win and keep their hopes of a series victory in England alive.
Team News and Predictions:
England has made one change to their playing XI, with Liam Dawson stepping in for the injured Shoaib Bashir. Dawson returns to Test cricket after an eight-year hiatus. On the other hand, India is facing a few injury concerns with Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh all sidelined. The team has called in Anshul Kamboj as cover.
Rishabh Pant, who struggled behind the stumps in the last Test, may play solely as a batter in Manchester, with Dhruv Jurel expected to take over wicketkeeping duties.
Possible Playing XI:
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair/Sai Sudharshan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
Pitch and Weather Report:
The pitch at Emirates Old Trafford is known to be a mixed bag, offering assistance to both pacers and spinners as the game progresses. Seamers are likely to enjoy the conditions early on, while batters can capitalize once they settle in. Weather-wise, Manchester is expected to be cloudy with mild temperatures around 18°C, ideal for swing bowlers.
Conclusion:
As the teams gear up for the 4th Test match, all eyes will be on India as they look to turn the tide in Manchester. With playing conditions and injuries playing a significant role, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable sides.
Match Build-Up and Momentum:
The 4th Test match between England and India marks a crucial juncture in the series, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand. England will be looking to maintain their winning momentum after a hard-fought victory in the last Test, while India will be determined to bounce back and level the series. The intensity and competitiveness of the previous matches set the stage for an exciting clash at Emirates Old Trafford.
India’s batting line-up, led by the dynamic Shubman Gill, has shown resilience and determination in challenging conditions. Their ability to adapt to the swinging and seaming English pitches has been commendable, and the team will be looking to capitalize on their strengths in the upcoming match. On the other hand, England’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes, has proven to be a formidable force, causing trouble for the Indian batsmen.
Key Player Battles:
One of the key battles to watch out for in the 4th Test will be between Joe Root, England’s captain, and Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler. Root’s consistency with the bat and Bumrah’s ability to generate pace and movement make for an intriguing contest that could shape the outcome of the match. Additionally, the battle between Rishabh Pant and England’s bowlers will be crucial, with Pant looking to make a mark with the bat after a challenging performance behind the stumps in the previous Test.
Another important matchup will be between Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja, two all-rounders known for their match-winning abilities with both bat and ball. Stokes’ aggressive approach and Jadeja’s steady presence add depth to their respective teams, making this duel a fascinating aspect of the upcoming match.
Prediction and Expectations:
Given the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, making a definitive prediction for the outcome of the match is challenging. However, considering the form and performances of both teams in the series so far, it is expected to be a closely contested battle with momentum shifting back and forth. The conditions at Emirates Old Trafford are likely to favor seamers initially, giving England’s bowlers an edge, but India’s batting depth and resilience cannot be underestimated.
Ultimately, the team that holds its nerve under pressure, capitalizes on key moments, and executes their game plan effectively is likely to emerge victorious in the 4th Test match between England and India. Fans can expect a thrilling display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship from both sides as they vie for supremacy in the series.
Final Thoughts:
As the anticipation builds and excitement mounts for the upcoming Test match, cricket enthusiasts around the world are in for a treat as two heavyweight teams lock horns in a battle for supremacy. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the stakes are high as England and India prepare to showcase their talent, grit, and passion for the game. With a blend of experienced stalwarts and promising youngsters on both sides, the 4th Test promises to be a riveting spectacle that fans will not want to miss.
