The IND vs ENG 4th Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, scheduled to commence on July 23, 2025, at the iconic Old Trafford in Manchester, promises to be a thrilling encounter. With England leading the five-match series 2-1, this penultimate Test is a do-or-die moment for India, who are yet to secure a victory at this historic venue. The outcome of this match could significantly impact the series, with India aiming to level the scoreline and England looking to seal their dominance. However, as is often the case in Manchester, the weather and pitch conditions will play a pivotal role in shaping the contest. This article delves into the detailed weather forecast, pitch report, and key factors that could influence the IND vs ENG 4th Test, providing cricket enthusiasts with a comprehensive preview of what to expect.
Weather Forecast for IND vs ENG 4th Test at Old Trafford
Manchester is notorious for its unpredictable weather, and the IND vs ENG 4th Test is likely to be affected by rain, as per multiple weather forecasts. The Met Office and other reliable sources indicate that the five-day Test, running from July 23 to July 27, 2025, will see a mix of cloudy skies, intermittent showers, and brief periods of clear weather. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of the expected weather conditions for the IND vs ENG 4th Test:
Day 1 (July 23, 2025)
The opening day of the IND vs ENG 4th Test is expected to start under cloudy skies with a high probability of rain, particularly in the afternoon session. Temperatures will range between 14°C and 19°C, with a precipitation probability of around 65%. The cloud cover is forecasted to be significant, at 93%, which could assist seam bowlers by facilitating swing and movement off the pitch. Fans and players alike should brace for potential interruptions, with scattered showers likely to disrupt the flow of play.
Day 2 (July 24, 2025)
Day 2 of the IND vs ENG 4th Test is predicted to be slightly worse, with an 84% chance of scattered showers throughout the day. Morning showers could delay the start, and the overall conditions will remain overcast, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 20°C. The high humidity, around 74%, combined with the cloud cover, will continue to favor pace bowlers. However, the frequent rain interruptions could reduce the number of overs bowled, affecting both teams’ strategies.
Day 3 (July 25, 2025)
The third day offers the best chance for uninterrupted cricket during the IND vs ENG 4th Test. Forecasts suggest minimal cloud cover and only a 7% chance of rain, with temperatures between 13°C and 21°C. This day could be crucial for both teams to capitalize on batting or bowling conditions, as the pitch is expected to offer consistent bounce for batters and some assistance for bowlers. Clearer skies should allow for a full day’s play, potentially shaping the match’s direction.
Day 4 (July 26, 2025)
Day 4 of the IND vs ENG 4th Test is expected to see a mix of sunshine and clouds, with passing showers likely in the post-tea session. The rain probability is around 25%, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 23°C. While the conditions may not be as disruptive as the first two days, the threat of rain remains, and teams will need to adapt their plans accordingly. The pitch may start to show signs of wear, bringing spinners into play.
Day 5 (July 27, 2025)
The final day of the IND vs ENG 4th Test is likely to be affected by rain once again, with a 40% chance of precipitation and cloud cover at 52%. Temperatures will hover around 21°C, with winds of 18 km/hour adding to the challenging conditions. Late showers on Day 5 could prevent a result if the match is closely contested, making time management critical for both captains.
The weather’s impact on the IND vs ENG 4th Test cannot be overstated. Manchester’s reputation for rain, combined with high humidity and overcast conditions, will likely favor seam bowlers, particularly in the early stages of the match. Teams will need to be prepared for stop-start play and adjust their tactics to maximize the available overs.
Pitch Report for Old Trafford, Manchester
Old Trafford, one of the oldest cricketing venues in the world, has a rich history of hosting memorable Test matches. However, its pitch characteristics have evolved over the years. Once known for its scorching pace and threatening bounce, the surface at Old Trafford has become slower and flatter in recent times, as noted by former England pacer Steve Harmison. Despite this, the pitch for the IND vs ENG 4th Test is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, with specific conditions influencing the game’s dynamics.
Pitch Characteristics
The pitch for the IND vs ENG 4th Test was reported to have a green tinge and a damp outfield due to recent rainfall in Manchester. While the grass cover is likely to be trimmed before the match, the surface is expected to retain some moisture, especially on Day 1, due to the humid and overcast conditions. This will provide early assistance to fast bowlers, with seam movement and swing likely to trouble batters. The average first innings score at Old Trafford is around 331 runs, suggesting that teams batting first should aim for a total of 340-350 to stay competitive.
In the initial days, the pitch is expected to offer steady bounce, allowing batters to trust the surface and play their shots. However, as the match progresses, the pitch is likely to deteriorate, bringing spinners into play. The combination of recent rain and a drying surface could create variable bounce and turn, making the later stages of the IND vs ENG 4th Test particularly challenging for batters. Teams may consider including a wrist-spinner like India’s Kuldeep Yadav, whose variations could exploit the wearing pitch.
Historical Context
Historically, Old Trafford has been a challenging venue for India, who have never won a Test match here in nine attempts, with four losses and five draws. The pitch’s reputation as a “pacer’s paradise” has softened over the years, but the conditions for the IND vs ENG 4th Test could see a return to its seam-friendly roots due to the weather. England’s pace attack, led by the likes of Chris Woakes and potentially Liam Dawson, will look to capitalize on these conditions, while India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be key to their bowling strategy.
Team Strategies and Key Players
India’s Approach
Trailing 1-2 in the series, India face a must-win scenario in the IND vs ENG 4th Test. The team has been hit by injuries, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out due to a knee injury and fast bowler Akash Deep sidelined with a groin issue. Uncapped pacer Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna are potential replacements, with Kamboj’s ability to generate seam movement making him a strong contender for a debut. Rishabh Pant’s fitness as a wicketkeeper is also a concern, and Dhruv Jurel might step in behind the stumps, allowing Pant to focus on batting.
India’s batting will rely heavily on captain Shubman Gill, who has been in sublime form, scoring a double century and a 150-plus knock in the second Test at Edgbaston. The team may opt for a balanced attack with three pacers and two spinners, with Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion being a tactical move to exploit the pitch’s later stages. Jasprit Bumrah, confirmed to play despite workload concerns, will lead the bowling attack, supported by Mohammed Siraj and potentially Shardul Thakur as a pace-bowling all-rounder.
England’s Approach
England, buoyed by their 22-run victory at Lord’s, hold a 2-1 lead and will aim to secure the series in the IND vs ENG 4th Test. The hosts have made one change to their playing XI, with Liam Dawson replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir. Dawson’s return after an eight-year hiatus adds depth to their bowling, particularly in spin-friendly conditions later in the match. England’s pace attack, featuring Chris Woakes and possibly Jofra Archer, will look to exploit the early seam movement.
The batting lineup, led by Joe Root, who scored a flawless hundred at Lord’s, will aim to capitalize on the pitch’s early bounce. England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach under Ben Stokes will likely continue, with openers setting the tone and the middle order looking to dominate India’s bowlers. The team’s strategy will hinge on making the most of favorable bowling conditions and avoiding the slow over-rate penalties that cost them two World Test Championship points in the third Test.
Key Battles to Watch
Jasprit Bumrah vs. Joe Root: Bumrah’s ability to swing the ball and Root’s knack for playing marathon innings will make this a fascinating contest in the IND vs ENG 4th Test. Bumrah’s five-for at Lord’s showed his class, and he’ll be eager to dismiss Root early.
Kuldeep Yadav vs. England’s Middle Order: If the pitch deteriorates as expected, Kuldeep’s wrist-spin could trouble England’s batters, particularly in the later stages of the IND vs ENG 4th Test.
Shubman Gill vs. England’s Pacers: Gill’s form makes him India’s linchpin, but England’s seamers, aided by the conditions, will target him early to disrupt India’s batting.
Liam Dawson vs. India’s Spinners: Dawson’s inclusion adds an intriguing dimension, and his battle with India’s spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, could influence the match’s outcome.
Historical Significance of the IND vs ENG 4th Test
The IND vs ENG 4th Test carries immense historical weight for India, who are yet to win at Old Trafford. A victory here would not only level the series but also mark a significant milestone in Indian cricket history. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, named after two cricketing legends, adds to the prestige of the contest, and both teams will be motivated to leave their mark.
Old Trafford’s legacy as a challenging venue for visiting teams, combined with its evolving pitch characteristics, makes it a unique battleground. The pitch’s transformation from a pacer’s paradise to a slower surface has leveled the playing field, but the weather’s influence could tilt the balance in favor of bowlers. For India, overcoming their historical struggles at this venue will require a combination of disciplined bowling, resilient batting, and adaptability to the conditions.
Impact of Weather on Match Outcome
The weather’s role in the IND vs ENG 4th Test cannot be overstated. With rain forecast for multiple days, the match could see significant overs lost, potentially leading to a draw. This would favor England, who lead the series, while India will need to push for a result in the limited playing time available. Captains Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes will need to make strategic decisions regarding declarations, bowling changes, and batting approaches to counter the weather disruptions.
If the pitch retains moisture due to rain, the early sessions could be dominated by pacers, making the toss crucial. Teams may prefer to bowl first to exploit the conditions, but batting first and posting a competitive total could also be a viable strategy given the pitch’s expected deterioration. The team that adapts best to the stop-start nature of the game will likely hold the upper hand.
Fan Expectations and Series Context
The IND vs ENG 4th Test has generated significant buzz among cricket fans, with posts on X highlighting the anticipation and concern over Manchester’s weather. The series, poised at 2-1, has been a rollercoaster, with England’s five-wicket win in Leeds, India’s 336-run triumph at Edgbaston, and England’s thrilling 22-run victory at Lord’s. The stakes are high, and fans are eager to see if India can script history at Old Trafford or if England will clinch the series.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has lived up to its billing as a clash of titans, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance. India’s resilience, led by Gill’s batting heroics, and England’s aggressive approach under Stokes have made this series a must-watch. The IND vs ENG 4th Test is set to add another chapter to this storied rivalry, with weather and pitch conditions adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Looking Ahead
The IND vs ENG 4th Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, is poised to be a captivating contest, with weather and pitch conditions playing a decisive role. India, trailing 1-2, face a monumental challenge to level the series and end their winless streak at this venue. England, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their lead and the favorable bowling conditions. The pitch, expected to offer early seam movement and later spin, combined with Manchester’s unpredictable weather, will test both teams’ adaptability and skill.
Fans can expect a battle of attrition, with key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, Joe Root, and Liam Dawson likely to shape the match’s outcome. As the IND vs ENG 4th Test unfolds, the interplay of strategy, resilience, and weather will determine whether India can pull off a historic victory or England will tighten their grip on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling chapter in this iconic rivalry.
