The gripping five-match Test series between England and India heads into its fourth chapter, as both teams gear up for a high-stakes clash at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting July 23, 2025. The series currently stands at 2-1 in England’s favor, following their dramatic 22-run win at Lord’s.
Adding fuel to the fire, Liam Dawson has been called up to replace the injured Shoaib Bashir, who bowled England to victory at Lord’s despite a broken finger.
📰 Key Replacement: Liam Dawson In for Injured Shoaib Bashir
The ECB officially announced that Liam Dawson, the experienced all-rounder from Hampshire, has been drafted in as Bashir’s replacement. Dawson, a left-arm spinner with a solid batting record, brings balance and experience to the squad, especially with conditions at Old Trafford expected to support spin in the latter stages.
🔄 Why Dawson?
- Experience in domestic and Test cricket
- Can bat at No. 8, offering depth
- More control on flat wickets
- Recent county form: 25 wickets at an average under 27 in the County Championship 2025 season
🏟️ Old Trafford: What to Expect from the Venue
Old Trafford has traditionally been one of the most spin-friendly tracks in England. Unlike Lord’s, which offered bounce and lateral seam movement, Manchester’s pitch is known to deteriorate steadily, bringing spinners into the game by Day 3.
🔍 Pitch and Weather Analysis
- Dry and hard surface, likely to crack late in the game
- Bounce and turn expected
- Weather forecast: Intermittent showers on Days 2 and 4
- Humidity: Around 65–75% on average
📊 Stats Snapshot: Old Trafford (Last 5 Tests)
- England Wins: 4
- India Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
- Average 4th innings score: 170
- Most wickets by a spinner: Jack Leach (17)
🇬🇧 England Squad (Updated)
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Joe Root
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Jamie Smith (WK)
- Ollie Pope (WK)
- Harry Brook
- Liam Dawson (replacement)
- Mark Wood
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Brydon Carse
- Chris Woakes
- Josh Tongue
🇮🇳 India Squad
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill(Captain)
- Rishabh Pant (Fitness Test Pending)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washingtog Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Nitesh Kumar Reddy
- Karun Nair
🤕 Bashir’s Heroic Final Spell
Shoaib Bashir etched his name in England folklore at Lord’s, bowling with a fractured left finger to claim the final wicket and secure a famous win. His absence will be a big blow, but Liam Dawson’s inclusion could prove to be a masterstroke given the conditions.
🧠 Tactical Preview
🧩 England’s Strategy:
- Bowl first if overcast
- Use Root and Dawson in tandem post-lunch
- Ben Stokes as enforcer in middle overs
🧩 India’s Strategy:
- Jadeja and Sundar will be central
- Top-order must anchor
- Bumrah and Siraj need early breakthroughs
🔮 Prediction
With Old Trafford favoring spinners and a possible two-spinner plan from both sides, expect a tight contest. India will be desperate to level the series, while England will look to clinch the series before heading to the Oval.
🎯 Likely Outcome: Another 5-day thriller with spinners dominating
❓ FAQs
Q1: Why was Shoaib Bashir dropped?
A: He wasn’t dropped — he suffered a fractured finger during the Lord’s Test and has been ruled out.Q2: Is this Dawson’s first Test since 2017?
A: Yes, he last played in 2017 but has been consistently performing in domestic cricket.Q3: Will Rishabh Pant play the 4th Test?
A: Pant's participation will depend on a final fitness test before the start of the match.Q4: Who leads the series?
A: England leads the series 2-1.Q5: Where can I watch the 4th Test?
A: In India – Sony Sports Network / SonyLIV; In UK – Sky Sports Cricket; In Australia – Fox Cricket / Kayo Sports.📌 Final Thoughts
This series has already delivered unforgettable drama, and the Old Trafford Test promises to add another chapter. With high stakes, passionate fans, and world-class talent on both sides, cricket lovers are in for a treat. The battle between India’s experienced spinners and England’s aggressive batting could define the outcome.
🗓️ Mark your calendars: July 23, 2025 — the war resumes at Old Trafford!
Dawson is a good player but can't spin the ball
ReplyDelete