Date: July 23, 2025
The cricketing world is abuzz as England and India face off in the highly anticipated 4th Test match of their series at Old Trafford, Manchester. This match is crucial for both teams, as they vie for supremacy in a series that has already showcased intense competition and remarkable performances. With the series tied at 1-1, the stakes are higher than ever, and fans are eager to witness a gripping contest.
Match Overview
The 4th Test match commenced on July 23, 2025, with both teams making strategic adjustments to their line-ups. England, in a surprising move, replaced Shoaib Bashir with a fresh face, aiming to bolster their bowling attack. This decision reflects England’s commitment to adapting their strategy in pursuit of victory. India, on the other hand, has retained its core squad, banking on the experience and skill of its players to secure a crucial win.
Day 1 Highlights
As the match kicked off, England won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that would set the tone for the game. The opening pair of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett took to the crease with determination, looking to build a solid foundation. The pitch at Old Trafford appeared to offer some assistance to the bowlers, with early movement evident.
Crawley and Duckett faced a challenging start against India’s formidable bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure, taking early wickets and leaving England at 45 for 3. However, Joe Root, the seasoned campaigner, stepped in to stabilize the innings. His partnership with Ollie Pope proved vital, as they navigated through a tricky phase, ending the day at 250 for 5.
Day 2: A Battle of Wills
Day 2 saw England’s innings continue, with Root and Pope looking to convert their starts into substantial scores. The duo showcased resilience, countering India’s bowling with a mix of aggression and caution. Root’s experience shone through as he reached his half-century, while Pope played some exquisite shots, demonstrating his growing confidence.
India’s bowlers, however, were relentless. Bumrah’s ability to swing the ball both ways kept the batsmen on their toes, while Siraj’s pace and bounce posed constant threats. The turning point of the day came when India managed to dismiss Root for 78, triggering a mini-collapse in the England batting order. England ended their first innings at 350, setting a competitive target for India.
India’s Response
In response, India began their innings with a sense of purpose. The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looked to establish a solid partnership. However, England’s bowlers struck early, with Siraj claiming the crucial wicket of Sharma. Gill, alongside Virat Kohli, attempted to rebuild the innings, but the pressure from England’s bowlers was palpable.
As the day progressed, Kohli’s experience became crucial. He played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings while rotating the strike effectively. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Kohli’s resilience kept India in the hunt. By the end of Day 2, India had reached 220 for 6, trailing by 130 runs.
Day 3: A Turning Point
Day 3 proved to be a pivotal moment in the match. India resumed their innings with the lower order looking to support Kohli. However, England’s bowlers were relentless, and a brilliant spell from Mark Wood saw India bowled out for 280, giving England a lead of 70 runs. Kohli’s valiant effort of 92 was in vain, as he fell just short of a century.
With a modest lead, England began their second innings cautiously. The Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, were determined to make early inroads. England’s top order faltered again, and they found themselves at 100 for 4 at one stage. However, a crucial partnership between Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler steadied the ship, allowing England to set a challenging target for India.
Day 4: The Final Showdown
As Day 4 unfolded, England declared their innings at 250, setting India a target of 321 runs to win. The stage was set for a thrilling final day. India needed a strong start, and the opening pair of Gill and Sharma returned to the crease with renewed determination.
However, England’s bowlers had other plans. They struck early, dismissing Sharma and Gill within the first hour. Kohli, once again, found himself under pressure as wickets continued to tumble around him. The Indian batting lineup struggled against the disciplined English attack, and the match hung in the balance.
As the day progressed, Kohli’s fight was commendable, but he lacked support from the other end. With the required runs dwindling and wickets falling, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Ultimately, India was bowled out for 250, handing England a thrilling victory by 70 runs.
Conclusion: A Match to Remember
The 4th Test match between England and India was a testament to the spirit of Test cricket. Both teams displayed remarkable skill, determination, and resilience. England’s strategic changes paid off, while India’s fight showcased their depth and talent. As the series continues, fans eagerly await the next encounter, hoping for more thrilling cricketing moments.
This match not only highlighted individual brilliance but also the importance of teamwork and strategy in the game. With the series now tilted in England’s favor, the upcoming matches promise to be equally exciting, as both teams strive for glory in this historic rivalry.
Sourashis Chanda brings readers their unique perspective on Business, Economy, Health and Fitness. With a background in Health and Physical Fitness of 2years, I am dedicated to exploring [what they aim to achieve with their writing, on the sustainable Economy of the country, various pro tips about business, latest goverment news, with some tips in health are and Fitness.
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
- Sourashis Chandahttps://indiatadkha.com/author/sourashis/
