📅 Match Details
- Match: 4th Test, India Tour of England 2025
- Date: July 23 – July 27, 2025
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Time: 11:00 AM Local | 3:00 PM IST
📰 Headline News: Liam Dawson Returns After 8 Years, Gill to Captain India
Liam Dawson has made a sensational comeback to England’s Test squad after an 8-year absence, providing spin depth and batting prowess. On the Indian side, Shubman Gill takes charge in KL Rahul’s absence, while rising star Anshul Kamboj retains his place.
🧾 Confirmed Playing XIs
🇮🇳 India Playing XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rishabh Pant (Vice-captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav / Shardul Thakur
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Anshul Kamboj
🏴 England Playing 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
🌦️ Old Trafford Weather Report (July 23–27, 2025)
- Day 1: Overcast conditions with 40% chance of rain
- Day 2–3: Dry spells, perfect for batting
- Day 4–5: Cloudy with some late showers
- Temperature: 18°C to 24°C
- Wind: Light to moderate breeze
💡 Impact: Overcast conditions may help seamers early. Rain interruptions could affect match outcomes.
🌤️ Weather Forecast for Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23–27)
Day-by-Day Weather Outlook:
| Date | Forecast | Rain Probability | Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 23 | Partly Cloudy | 10% | 22°C |
| July 24 | Mostly Sunny | 0% | 24°C |
| July 25 | Cloudy | 20% | 21°C |
| July 26 | Light Showers | 40% | 19°C |
| July 27 | Sunny Intervals | 10% | 20°C |
☁️ Verdict: Expect mostly dry conditions, ideal for a full five-day Test match. Slight rain possible on Day 4.
🏟️ Pitch Report – Old Trafford, Manchester
Old Trafford traditionally offers:
- Day 1–2: Greenish tinge aiding fast bowlers
- Day 3–4: Becomes flatter, good for batting
- Day 5: Offers turn and bounce for spinners
The pitch is expected to be a bat-first surface. A first-innings score above 350 will be competitive.
🧠 What Should the Team Do After Winning the Toss?
🏏 Bat First:
With the pitch expected to deteriorate on Day 5, batting first is a smart move.
Spinners like Jadeja and Dawson could decide the game in the final innings.
🎯 Bowl First?
Only if the skies are heavy and rain is expected. Seamers like Bumrah and Woakes can utilize early moisture.
📈 Key Battles to Watch
- Jasprit Bumrah vs Joe Root – Clash of Titans
- Jofra Archer vs Jaiswal – High-Speed Duel
- Ravindra Jadeja vs Harry Brook – Spin vs Spin Aggression
- Pant vs Woakes – Middle-order Firepower
🔍 Key Players to Watch
India:
- Rishabh Pant: Returning with the bat and gloves, key middle-order anchor
- Jasprit Bumrah: Could thrive in Old Trafford’s seam-friendly conditions
- Ravindra Jadeja: Will be crucial on Day 4–5 if pitch starts turning
England:
- Joe Root: Formidable against spin and a big-match player
- Jofra Archer: Returns with pace and bounce
- Liam Dawson: Surprise inclusion who adds left-arm spin and batting depth
📊 Head-to-Head at Old Trafford
- Tests Played: 10
- India Wins: 1
- England Wins: 7
- Draws: 2
India have historically struggled at this venue, but a younger squad could change that narrative.
📢 Expert Prediction – Who Will Win the 4th Test?
Given the pitch, player form, and weather, here's the prediction:
🟢 Toss Winner Should Bat First
🟢 If India wins the toss and bats deep, they have the edge
🔵 England’s depth and familiarity with conditions could give them the edge if India collapses early
📌 Prediction: 60% India | 40% England
✅ Expect a close battle!
📈 Series Status Before the 4th Test
- Current Series Status: 2-1 (England lead)
- A win for England here seals the series.
- India must win to force a decider in the 5th Test.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (SEO-Based)
❓ Who is captaining India in the 4th Test against England 2025?
A: Shubman Gill is leading the Indian side in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kholi.
❓ Why is Liam Dawson in the England squad?
A: Liam Dawson has been selected after 8 years due to his all-round skills, especially on spinning pitches.
❓ What is the weather forecast for the 4th Test at Old Trafford?
A: Mostly overcast with rain on Day 1 and Day 5. Days 2–4 are expected to be dry and suitable for batting.
❓ Should the team winning the toss bat or bowl first?
A: Batting first is the best option. The pitch tends to break up later, which helps spinners.
❓ Who are the wicketkeepers for both teams?
- India: Rishabh Pant
- England: Jamie Smith
📢 Final Prediction and Analysis
This match promises to be a close contest. England’s strong pace unit and home advantage will be tested against India’s rising stars and experienced spin duo. If India can post a big first-innings total, they are well on track to secure a historic series win.