The highly anticipated India vs England 4th Test is set to begin on July 23 in Manchester, and Team India is expected to make multiple changes to its playing XI. After suffering a narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord’s, India will be eager to bounce back and level the series.
India had been in control for most of the Lord’s Test, restricting England to 192 in the second innings. But despite needing just 193 to win, the Indian batting lineup faltered and was bowled out for 170. It was a golden opportunity missed and now, the Manchester Test becomes crucial in India’s quest to stay alive in the series.
Missed Opportunities Haunt India Ahead of India vs England 4th Test
Throughout this Test series, India has found itself in commanding positions only to let victories slip away. In the first Test, they failed to post big second innings totals due to lower-order collapses, setting England a target of 371 which was chased down on a flat pitch. At Lord’s, they once again let go of a match that should have been theirs.
Heading into the India vs England 4th Test, it’s clear that the team must address their inconsistencies, particularly in the batting department. Failure to do so could result in a series loss despite having dominated many sessions.
Injury Concerns and Workload Management in India vs England 4th Test
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the India vs England 4th Test. He has played two Tests in the series and appeared to suffer a minor niggle on Day 4 at Lord’s. With his long-term fitness in mind, the team management is unlikely to risk him.
Arshdeep Singh is the frontrunner to replace Bumrah. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Arshdeep has performed consistently in domestic red-ball cricket and could be an asset in English conditions.
Abhimanyu Easwaran May Finally Debut in India vs England 4th Test
Karun Nair, who has struggled to convert starts into big scores, may lose his spot in the XI. That opens the door for Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent performer in domestic cricket whose Test debut has been long overdue. The India vs England 4th Test might finally offer him a chance to prove his potential on the big stage.
Easwaran is a technically sound opener and could provide stability in the top order, especially with the team seeking dependable partnerships in the early overs.
Will Rishabh Pant Be Fit for the India vs England 4th Test?
Rishabh Pant, who missed most of the wicketkeeping duties during the Lord’s Test due to injury, remains under observation. With the India vs England 4th Test just days away, his fitness will be closely monitored.
If Pant doesn’t recover in time, Dhruv Jurel could make his debut as India’s wicketkeeper. Jurel has impressed in domestic circuits and could bring fresh energy behind the stumps.
Spin Combination Likely Unchanged for India vs England 4th Test
While there are calls for Kuldeep Yadav to be included in the playing XI, it seems likely that India will continue with their tried-and-tested spin duo Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. Both have delivered steady performances with the ball and bat, and the team management may prefer continuity.
Mohammed Siraj is expected to retain his place. Despite playing all three Tests so far, Siraj’s pace and accuracy make him one of India’s most dependable bowlers in overseas conditions.
Probable Playing XI for India vs England 4th Test
Here is the expected Indian lineup for the India vs England 4th Test at Manchester:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Shubman Gill
- Rishabh Pant (or Dhruv Jurel)
- Nitish Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Akash Deep
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh
This XI offers a good blend of youth, experience, and balance something India will need to overcome the resilient English side.
Final Thoughts: Must-Win Game for India in the India vs England 4th Test
The India vs England 4th Test is shaping up to be the most critical match of the series. With England leading 2-1, India cannot afford another slip-up. A defeat here would hand the series to England with a match still to go, while a win would set up a thrilling decider.
With possible debuts, key injuries, and strategic changes in the lineup, the fourth Test in Manchester promises high drama and intense cricket. All eyes will be on how India responds under pressure will they fight back or fold once again?
Stay tuned for more updates, live scores, and post-match analysis of the India vs England 4th Test a clash that could define the series