India vs England: Crucial Fourth Test at Old Trafford Awaits
Upcoming Fourth Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Series
India and England are gearing up for the fourth Test of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar series, set to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester. This match is pivotal for the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, as the series remains competitive.
Current Series Status
England holds a 2-1 lead in the series, having secured victories in the first Test at Headingley by five wickets and the third Test at Lord's by 22 runs. India, however, claimed a significant win in the second Test at Edgbaston, triumphing by 336 runs. With England needing just one more win to clinch the series, their focus will be on achieving that goal in the upcoming match.
Squad Changes for England
For the upcoming Test, England has made one adjustment to their squad. Spinner Shoaib Bashir is sidelined due to a finger injury, and Liam Dawson has been brought in as his replacement.
India's Test History at Old Trafford
India's record at Old Trafford is less than stellar. Since their first Test match there in 1936, India has played nine Tests against England at this venue, with the last match occurring in 2014. Unfortunately, India has never won a Test at Old Trafford, with England winning four matches and five ending in draws. Of the four victories, three were achieved when England batted first.
Match Records at Old Trafford
| Team 1 | Team 2 | Result | Margin | Venue | Date |
| England | India | England | inns & 54 runs | Manchester | Aug 7-9, 2014 |
| England | India | Drawn | - | Manchester | Aug 9-14, 1990 |
| England | India | Drawn | - | Manchester | Jun 24-28, 1982 |
| England | India | England | 113 runs | Manchester | Jun 6-11, 1974 |
| England | India | Drawn | - | Manchester | Aug 5-10, 1971 |
| England | India | England | 171 runs | Manchester | Jul 23-28, 1959 |
| England | India | England | inns & 207 runs | Manchester | Jul 17-19, 1952 |
| England | India | Drawn | - | Manchester | Jul 20-23, 1946 |
| England | India | Drawn | - | Manchester | Jul 25-28, 1936 |
Top Indian Run Scorers at Old Trafford
Sunil Gavaskar stands out as the top run-scorer for India at this venue, amassing 242 runs at an average of 48.40, which includes one century and two half-centuries.
Best Individual Performances
Mohammad Azharuddin's remarkable innings of 179 in 1990 remains one of the finest performances by an Indian at Old Trafford.
Bowling Records
Vinoo Mankad leads the list of Indian bowlers with nine wickets at this venue, followed closely by Syed Abid Ali and Lala Amarnath, each with eight wickets.
India's Lowest Innings Total
India's lowest total at Old Trafford is a mere 42 runs, recorded against England in 1974, marking one of the most challenging moments in their Test history.
Looking Ahead
As the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy approaches, cricket fans are eager to see if India can achieve their first-ever victory at Old Trafford in this format.