Old Trafford, Manchester:
India arrive at Old Trafford having never won a Test there in nine attempts (four losses, five draws) since 1936 an infamous record they must rewrite to stay alive in the series. Conditions at Old Trafford typically favour seam early on, with swing and bounce in play on days 1 and 2 before flattening out for the middle overs.
Toss Strategy: Crunch Time to Bowl First
Unsettled weather in Manchester suggests overcast skies through much of the Test. India must aim to bowl first if they win the toss, allowing their pace attack to exploit early swing and moisture.
Top Order Must Deliver Partnerships
The collapses at Leeds and Lord’s have been costly. The likes of Shubman Gill (607 runs), Yashasvi Jaiswal (233 runs), and KL Rahul (375 runs, 2 hundreds in the series) must convert starts into long innings.
The No. 3 spot remains unsettled. Karun Nair has been inconsistent; youthful alternatives like Sai Sudharsan could be considered if stability is the priority.
Tackling England’s Star Performers
Joe Root, who reclaimed the ICC Test batting No.1 ranking with his 104 at Lord’s, remains the key threat at the top. India must bowl tight, disciplined lines to keep him in check.
Ben Stokes has bowled long spells (44 overs, 5 wickets) and chipped in with runs with the bat his all-round influence at Lord’s proved decisive. India needs to be alert to his dual threats.
Jofra Archer, returning to the attack, delivered a potent spell at Lord’s India’s batters will need patience and late play to counter his pace and reverse swing.
Also Read: Bumrah Faces Criticism for ‘Lack of Intent’ as India Fall Short in Lord’s Thriller
Bowling Attack: Bumrah & Co. to Lead the Charge
Jasprit Bumrah, currently the No. 1 Test bowler, has picked up 37 wickets across seven matches on England soil with an excellent economy and strike rate. Mohammed Siraj (13 wickets in 3 Tests) and Akash Deep (11 wickets in 2 Tests) provide support.
India should manage Bumrah’s workload carefully he may not play all five Tests but at Old Trafford he must be used effectively, particularly in the new-ball bursts.
> Jasprit Bumrah confirmed to play must-win 4th India vs England Test in Manchester🔥🗿 pic.twitter.com/ia7fJMcxki
— 𝐀𝐬𝐑𝐨𝟒𝟓 (@assacheyroX) July 17, 2025
Lower Order: Intent Beyond Survival
The tail fight at Lord’s especially with Jadeja 61* alongside Bumrah and Siraj nearly turned the match around. India need this same bite in Manchester: rotating strike, playing with intent, and looking for meaningful lower-order runs, not just survival. Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion as sole wrist-spinner would offer depth, especially if the pitch turns late.
Discipline Matters: Over-Rates & Composure
India have already faced penalties for slow over rates in the series. Continuing that streak at Manchester could cost precious WTC points. They must smartly manage time bowling changes and field settings must be proactive.
Emotionally, India must remain poised. Tensions at Lord’s such as between Shubman Gill and Crawley may have fueled England’s energy. India need aggression, but channeled and constructive.
Probable Playing XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Akash Deep
- Kuldeep Yadav
Match Strategy Phased Plan
| Phase | Approach |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Aim to bowl first, take 5–6 wickets early with seam, exploit swing. |
| Days 2–3 | Build deep batting partnerships, target at least 350+; Jadeja and Rahul to anchor. |
| Day 4 | Continue batting or look to make England bat fourth if possible. Prepare defence or chase based on situation. |
| Final Session | If defending, set aggressive fields; if chasing, aim for partnerships with depth. Tail must support. |
