Old Trafford, Manchester:
As India gear up for a must-win 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, all eyes are not just on the pitch but on the skies above it. With gloomy clouds and forecasted showers threatening to interrupt play, Day 1 could be as much about the weather as it is about the cricket.
Rain Watch: Cloudy Start, Wet Afternoon?
The weather in Manchester is living up to its reputation. The morning is expected to be cloudy, but relatively dry, allowing a chance for the match to start on time. However, by the afternoon, showers are likely to roll in bringing a 60–70% chance of rainfall during the second session. The possibility of multiple stoppages could heavily impact the day’s play.
For fans hoping for uninterrupted cricket, it’s going to be a nervous wait. The forecast suggests short but frequent rain bursts, making it difficult for either side to build long periods of dominance.
Conditions Tailored for Bowlers
The overcast skies and damp pitch conditions are a dream scenario for pace bowlers. Old Trafford’s surface has retained moisture from recent rainfall, and that, coupled with the humidity, is expected to provide ample swing and seam movement early on.
For India, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be key weapons with the new ball. If the match begins on time, they will aim to exploit every bit of assistance the pitch and weather provide. Spinners, including Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav, if he plays, could come into play later in the match, especially if the sun peeks out in the coming days.
🚨 THE LIKELY TEAM INDIA CHANGES FOR THE 4th TEST 🚨 [Express Sports]
– Sai Sudharsan in, Karun Nair out.
– Ansul Kamboj in for Akash Deep.
– Shardul Thakur in for Nitish. pic.twitter.com/FcMm3Z0c2u— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 23, 2025
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Team India’s Dilemma: Playing XI and Toss Strategy
India enter the match with a depleted squad. Injuries to Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy have left the team management with selection puzzles. Shardul Thakur may get a recall, and there’s also a possibility of a debut for Anshul Kamboj.
Captain Shubman Gill, who is leading in his first Test series, faces a tricky decision at the toss. The conditions scream “bowl first,” but the risk of a rain-shortened Day 1 may make batting and putting runs on the board a safer bet.
Must-Win Match Adds Pressure
India trail the five-match series 1–2 and need a victory at Old Trafford to stay alive. With momentum shifting toward England after their win at Lord’s, this match is pivotal. For India, starting strong especially with the ball could set the tone.
But with the looming threat of rain, even the best-laid plans may come undone. Losing overs on Day 1 could shrink the window for a result and increase the pressure heading into the remaining days.
Verdict: A Race Against the Rain
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Weather advantage: Early overs likely, but rain may slash playing time post-lunch.
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Bowling advantage: Conditions favor fast bowlers especially in the first session.
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Tactical calls: Toss and team composition will be heavily weather-dependent.
In conclusion, while India have the firepower to make early inroads and tilt the day in their favor, the weather might just be the biggest player on Day 1. If the rain stays away long enough, we could be in for an intense battle between bat and ball but for now, it’s a waiting game.
