ENG Vs IND 2025: Old Trafford’s Weather Forecast For The Fourth Test

Old Trafford, the iconic theatre of cricket, will host the pivotal fourth Test of the England vs India series on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. With England leading 2–1 in the five-match Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, India enters the contest in survival mode. A defeat would not only concede the series with a game to spare but also deepen their historically poor record at this venue. Meanwhile, England, riding high on their aggressive “Bazball” brand of cricket, are eager to capitalize on home momentum and wrap up the series for their fans.

India’s Redemption Path

Seeking Bounce-back Performance

India’s tour has featured flashes of brilliance: a commanding batting display at Headingley, spirited bowling at Lord’s, and yet, they’ve stumbled at crucial moments. The dwindling first-innings totals and mid-match lethargy have cost them dearly. At Old Trafford, India need a renewed injection of intensity—starting with a top-order that must tame the new ball and laying the foundation for a defensively sound innings.

Potential Tactical Adjustments

Understanding Manchester’s conditions, India may strengthen their side by introducing a second spinner—whether Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, or Kuldeep Yadav—especially if the pitch shows signs of turn by Day 3. Additionally, promoting batting depth or picking an experienced middle-order batsman over a third seamer could offer much-needed resilience.

England’s Bid to Seal the Series

Bazball Momentum

Under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England have remained aggressively uncompromising. Their attacking cricket has unsettled India’s bowling, while their bowlers have struck decisively in crunch sessions. England aim to continue that style—positive intent, disciplined bowling, and relentless energy—to finish off India in Manchester.

Lineup Refresh

England have made one strategic change—left-arm spinner Liam Dawson comes in for injured Shoaib Bashir, returning after an eight-year absence. Dawson’s experience and variety aim to bolster a bowling attack that thrives on unpredictability and adaptability.

Weather Forecast at Old Trafford

Day 1 (July 23): Mostly sunny, highs around 20 °C. Ideal for batting.
Day 2 (July 24): Overcast early with light winds—good for seam movement before drying out.
Day 3 & 4 (July 25–26): Stable conditions, slight cloud cover; the surface could start to turn for spinners.
Day 5 (July 27): Intermittent light rain; possible delays.

Venue Context: A Jinx to Break

Old Trafford has long been a challenging ground for India:

9 Tests played: India yet to notch a win, with 4 losses and 5 draws.
The last Test here in 2014 ended in an innings defeat.

However, history isn’t destiny. India’s recent success at Edgbaston—breaking a similar long-standing curse—is evidence of belief and resilience.

Key Battles to Watch

Shubman Gill vs Brydon Carse
Gill’s series-leading form (600+ runs at 100 avg) makes him India’s linchpin. Carse has twice dismissed him cheaply—early wickets here could define India’s momentum.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Jofra Archer
Archer’s raw pace and bounce have remained potent. Jaiswal must overcome this challenge to give India a solid start at the top.
Harry Brook vs Jasprit Bumrah
Brook’s attacking instincts face Bumrah’s lethal accuracy and reverse swing—an enthralling middle-overs duel.
Joe Root vs Ravindra Jadeja
Root is in peak form; Jadeja’s consistent accuracy and stamina with both bat and ball will test England’s enforcer.
Ben Duckett vs Mohammed Siraj
Duckett’s aggression must navigate Siraj’s fiery pace. A wicket here could shake England’s top order.

India’s Predicted XI

Batting Core:Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill,, KL Rahul
Wicketkeeping: Rishabh Pant (batting only) / Dhruv Jurel
Spin Quartet: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep/Axar (potential)
Pace Attack: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and either Anshul Kamboj or Prasidh Krishna

Momentum & Morale

While England seeks to leverage home dominance and squad unity, India needs collective focus. Rising to the occasion means batting smart, bowling with discipline, and chilling mistakes. This Test is more than a game—it’s a potential turning point that tests mental strength and cricketing zeal.

A win at Old Trafford would mean history for India and keep their series hopes alive. For England, it’s about stamping their mark and harnessing home advantage. With contrasting styles, injury puzzles, weather variables, and venue legacy, all the ingredients are in place for a modern-day Test classic.

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