England and India lock horns in the pivotal 4th Test of the newly introduced Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy from July 23 to 27, 2025, at Old Trafford in Manchester. With England leading 2–1 in the five‑match series, stakes are sky‑high on a ground with a history of edge‑of‑the‑seat battles.
Series Context & Significance
• This Test is part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, and carries immense weight for rankings and morale.
• The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, inaugurated this summer, aims to cement the prestige of India‑England Tests.
Form & Results Overview
- England: Triumphed by 5 wickets at Headingley (1st Test) and secured a nail‑biter win by 22 runs at Lord’s (3rd Test).
- India: Bounced back emphatically at Edgbaston with a 336‑run victory (2nd Test), but trail 2–1
Conditions & Pitch Strategy
- Old Trafford has never seen a team win after bowling first, a staggering 0 for 12 record.
- Overcast skies and rain are on the radar daily (July 23–27), making toss decisions crucial.
- The surface typically favors batting first, but interruptions could swing momentum.
Team News & Strategies
England XI Highlights
- Ben Stokes leads the side; Jofra Archer returns aiming to push for Ashes selection.
- Only change: Liam Dawson replaces injured Shoaib Bashir, adding spin depth alongside Chris Woakes.
India XI Watch
- Shubman Gill, captain, seeks control after on‑field tension in London.
- Injuries have sidelined Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy; Anshul Kamboj is poised for Test debut.
- Jasprit Bumrah returns strong; Rishabh Pant expected to reclaim wicket‑keeping duties.
- Selection dilemma: India may opt for extra seamer over spinner due to conditions.
Tactics & Matchups to Watch
- Toss decision – a key moment, given historical patterns at Old Trafford.
- Bowlers vs Conditions – Archer & Woakes must thrive under cloud cover; Bumrah & Siraj to counter.
- Middle‑order depth – England’s Brook & Pope vs Indian core pillars like Jadeja, Pant, Rahul.
- Debut-watch – Anshul Kamboj’s Test entrance adds intrigue.
Match Info at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | July 23–27, 2025 |
| 🏟️ Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| ⏰ Start Time | 11:00 AM local (3:30 PM IST) |
| 📺 Broadcast | Sky Sports (UK), JioHotstar & Sony Sports (India) (Cricbuzz, The Indian Express) |
| 🌦️ Weather | Rain possible daily; overcast spells expected (Cricbuzz, The Times of India) |
Why This Test Matters
- England can wrap up the series, their first win over India in seven years.
- India, fighting on, need to level the series to set up a dramatic 5th Test finale. The pressure cooker intensifies.
Final Take
This Test is a battle of nerves, tactics, and adaptability. With England’s ascendant form and India battling injuries, Old Trafford offers a classic Test milieu—rain, spin, cloud, and stakes. Expect a gripping, seesaw contest that could define momentum in the World Test Championship.
