As the penultimate clash of this riveting five-match Test series kicks off in Manchester today, the stakes couldn’t be higher. England sit on the brink of series victory with a 2–1 lead, while a rejuvenated Indian side must win to keep the contest alive.
However, persistent rain in the north-west threatens to overshadow the on-field drama. Wet weather has loomed over Manchester for several days, casting doubt on the opening day’s play at Old Trafford.
India’s New Era Looks to Leave a Mark
The post Kohli-Rohit Indian side has shown promise, grit, and moments of brilliance throughout the series. Leading from the front is Shubman Gill, who has been in sublime form with the bat — scoring two centuries and a career-defining double ton. This young squad, ushered in with fresh faces and bold ambitions, is determined to make a statement in English conditions. India’s emphatic 336-run win at Birmingham in the second Test remains the highlight of their campaign so far, with stellar performances from the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammad Siraj, and KL Rahul. Yet, inconsistency and key injuries have marred their campaign.
The third Test at Lord’s was a modern-day classic. Both sides posted identical first innings scores of 387 — a rare feat that’s occurred only eight times in Test history. Despite India bowling England out for just 192 in the second innings, a cruel twist of fate saw Mohammad Siraj’s dismissal hand England a thrilling win, snatching victory from the visitors’ grasp.
Old Trafford: A Fortress for England
India’s record in Manchester is a cause for concern. According to ESPNcricinfo, the two sides have met nine times at Old Trafford, with England unbeaten and five of those ending in draws. The visitors have yet to register a win here.
Shubman Gill, who made history by becoming the first Indian captain to win a Test at Birmingham, will now seek to break the Manchester hoodoo and lead India to their first win at this venue since 2007.
Team News and Selection Headaches
Rain isn’t India’s only worry. Akash Deep has been ruled out with a groin injury, and Nitish Kumar Reddy is also unavailable — a significant blow to the lower-middle order’s depth. Gill admitted in the pre-match press conference that recurring injuries have disrupted team combinations:
“It’s never easy when injuries keep changing the squad dynamic.”
In their absence, Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan are in line for selection, though both are yet to make meaningful contributions in the series. There is also speculation that Anshul Kamboj, called up to cover for Arshdeep Singh, could make his debut.
“He’s definitely close. We’ll decide between him and Prasidh [Krishna] before the toss,” said Gill, according to The Times of India.
Ben Stokes’ Injury Dilemma
England also face a few selection headaches of their own. Shoaib Bashir is nursing an injury, which could prompt Ben Stokes to bring in Liam Dawson and rely heavily on his seamers under overcast skies.
With the Ashes aura hanging faintly in the backdrop, Stokes knows the significance of wrapping up a home series against India — something England haven’t done convincingly in recent years.
What’s Next?
Should the weather hold, Manchester promises to host another enthralling chapter in this evolving Test saga. India will need more than just resistance — they’ll need history-making intent to overcome both the elements and England’s momentum.
With the batters in form and bowlers hunting in packs, Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir will back their troops to stage a comeback. But for England and Stokes, it’s all about finishing the job.