India vs England 4th Test: The fourth Test between India and England has begun today, July 23, 2025, at the historic Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test, India now trails 2-1 in the five-match series. A loss here would hand the series to England, making this clash a do-or-die encounter for Shubman Gill and his men.
Winning the toss, England captain Ben Stokes chose to bowl first, a move likely influenced by Manchester’s favorable conditions for seamers on Day 1. The decision puts India immediately under pressure to post a competitive first-innings score and avoid early setbacks.
India’s Fight for Survival Begins
Team India enters this game with one mission — to level the series and keep the dream alive. A defeat would not only seal the series for England but also continue India’s poor run at Old Trafford, where they haven’t won a Test match in over four decades.
But all is not lost. This is also an opportunity for a new generation of Indian cricketers to rewrite history. Led by the young and calm Shubman Gill, the visitors are hoping to bounce back with a renewed spirit and improved performance.
Playing XIs – Power-Packed Lineups on Both Sides
India XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj
England XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer
India’s squad shows a blend of youth and experience. While KL Rahul returns to reinforce the top order, young talents like Sai Sudharsan and Anshul Kamboj are being entrusted with critical roles. Rishabh Pant’s return to the Test setup also strengthens India’s middle order.
For England, the return of Jofra Archer and inclusion of Liam Dawson suggest a well-balanced attack designed to exploit both pace and spin conditions.
Old Trafford: A Land of Trials for India
Manchester hasn’t been kind to Indian teams in the past. Since their last victory here in 1982, India has struggled to find success at this venue. The pitch tends to favor fast bowlers early on, and the overcast conditions forecasted for Day 1 could make things even trickier for India’s batters.
Despite the odds, there’s hope. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been in good rhythm throughout the series, and if they find their line and length early, they could cause serious damage to England’s top order in the second innings.
Captaincy Under Spotlight
This is arguably the biggest test yet for Shubman Gill as captain. While he has shown composure in the past, leading a team under such high stakes — away from home, under pressure, and facing a formidable England side — will truly test his leadership qualities.
For Ben Stokes, this is a golden opportunity to seal the series with one match to spare. His bold decision to bowl first shows he’s ready to take risks to push for a result.
The first session will be critical. If India’s openers — Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul — can survive the new ball and build a solid foundation, the visitors will have a platform to post a competitive score. Rishabh Pant’s attacking flair and Jadeja’s resilience could come in handy lower down the order.
Meanwhile, England’s bowlers, especially the returning Jofra Archer, will be eager to make early inroads. A few quick wickets could tilt the momentum firmly in their favor.
A Battle of Survival and Supremacy
This fourth Test is not just another match — it’s a battle for pride, for history, and for the future of this Indian Test side. With the series on the line, the pressure is immense, but so is the potential for a historic comeback.
Can India rise from the ashes and force a decider in the fifth Test? Or will England tighten their grip and walk away with the series win in Manchester?
