India vs England 4th Test Preview and Probable Playing XI

Match Date: July 23–27, 2025
Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Timing: 11:00 AM LOCAL (3:30 PM IST)

The India vs. England Test series is heating up as it heads into the crucial fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 to 27, 2025. With England leading the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-1, India, under Shubman Gill’s leadership, are desperate to level the series and keep their hopes alive for the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. This match promises high stakes, intense battles, and potential changes in both teams’ line-ups. Here’s a detailed preview and the probable playing XI for both sides.

Match Preview

The third Test at Lord’s was a heartbreaker for India, who fell 22 runs short of chasing 374, despite a valiant effort led by Ravindra Jadeja and a gritty contribution from Jasprit Bumrah. England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach, powered by Ben Duckett’s 149 and Joe Root’s steady 53*, proved too much, with India’s six dropped catches proving costly. Now, at Old Trafford, India face a must-win situation to avoid falling further behind in the series.

Old Trafford’s pitch typically offers swing and seam movement early on, which could favor both teams’ pace attacks. However, it tends to flatten out, making it a good batting surface later in the game. With pleasant weather expected (temperatures around 20–25°C and minimal rain), a full five days of play should provide a result. India’s bowling attack, even without Bumrah, will rely on Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, while England’s Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes will look to exploit home conditions.

India’s batting has shown flashes of brilliance, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant scoring centuries earlier in the series. However, the top order needs to forge stronger partnerships to counter England’s relentless bowling. England, meanwhile, will bank on their in-form top order—Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root—to set the tone. The return of Jofra Archer has added firepower to their attack, and Liam Dawson’s inclusion as a replacement for the injured Shoaib Bashir adds spin depth.

Key battles to watch include Yashasvi Jaiswal vs. Jofra Archer, given Archer’s pace and Jaiswal’s aggressive strokeplay, and Ravindra Jadeja vs. Joe Root, with Jadeja’s spin likely to challenge Root on a wearing pitch. India’s fielding, a weak link at Lord’s, will need to sharpen to avoid repeating past mistakes.

India’s Probable Playing XI

India’s team selection is under scrutiny after the Lord’s defeat. Jasprit Bumrah, the series’ second-highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets in two Tests, is likely to be rested for workload management, as confirmed by captain Shubman Gill and chief selector Ajit Agarkar before the series. Rishabh Pant, who injured his finger at Lord’s, is expected to play after scans showed no major damage. However, Karun Nair’s poor form (failing to convert starts in all six innings) could see him dropped for B Sai Sudharsan, who offers a solid technique at No. 3.

Here’s India’s probable XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
B Sai Sudharsan
Shubman Gill (c)
Rishabh Pant (wk)
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar
Akash Deep
Arshdeep Singh/Jasprit Bumrah(if available)
Mohammed Siraj

Key Changes:

B Sai Sudharsan replaces Karun Nair to stabilize the No. 3 position.
Arshdeep Singh comes in for Jasprit Bumrah if Bumrah unavialble, offering left-arm swing to exploit Old Trafford’s conditions.
Washington Sundar retains his spot over Kuldeep Yadav for batting depth and control with the ball.

If Pant’s fitness remains a concern, Dhruv Jurel could step in as wicketkeeper, but Gill’s optimism suggests Pant will play.

England’s Probable Playing XI

England have named their squad, with Liam Dawson replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir. Their batting line-up, led by Duckett, Crawley, and Root, has been consistent, while Archer’s return has bolstered their bowling. Ben Stokes’ all-round contribution remains crucial, and Jamie Smith’s aggressive keeping and batting add depth.

Here’s England’s probable XI:

Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (c)
Jamie Smith (wk)
Chris Woakes
Brydon Carse
Jofra Archer
Liam Dawson

Key Changes:

Liam Dawson replaces Shoaib Bashir, bringing experience and all-round ability.
The rest of the XI remains unchanged, with England banking on their settled line-up.

Prediction

India’s chances hinge on their top order firing and their bowlers, particularly Siraj and Arshdeep, exploiting early swing. England, buoyed by their Lord’s win, will aim to seal the series with their aggressive batting and versatile bowling. The match could be decided by how well India manage without Bumrah and whether their fielding holds up. Expect a closely fought contest, with England slightly favored due to home advantage and series momentum.

This fourth Test is a make-or-break moment for India. A win levels the series at 2-2, setting up a thrilling finale at The Oval. A loss hands England the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. All eyes will be on Old Trafford for what promises to be a cracking Test match.