Overview:

The surface here could draw parallels with Edgbaston in terms of helping batters score runs once set. So both sides will enjoy batting. It will take consistency and work for the bowlers to come good. 

England and India gear up for the 4th Test, starting July 23 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. The 5-match Anderson-Tendulkar series is currently led by the hosts 2-1. After going down at Headingley, Leeds, by 5 wickets, Team India bounced back in style, downing England by 336 runs at Edgbaston, Birmingham. India claimed their maiden Test win at Edgbaston and it was indeed a memorable one. The third Test saw both sides remain in the hunt before India went down narrowly by 22 runs, failing to chase a target of 193.

India have several selection headaches. Karun Nair has failed to impress and could be dropped for either Abhimanyu Easwaran or San Sudharsan. Pacer Akash Deep is injured alongside Arshdeep Singh. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy is also set to miss out with a knee injury. India will go ahead with Jasprit Bumrah for this Test and rest him at The Oval. Rishabh Pant is fit and is expected to keep. India may field Shardul Thakur if the surface demands pace. This means Washington Sundar will sit out. If Akash Deep misses, India could either field Prasidh Krishna or Anshul Kamboj.

For England, they have made one change to their side from the Lord’s Test. Liam Dawson comes in for Shoaib Bashir. Dawson will bowl slow left-arm orthodox.  

The two teams have met 139 times in Tests. England have won 53 games to India’s 37. Another 50 matches have been drawn. In 70 matches on English soil, England have claimed 38 wins with India claiming 10 victories. 22 games have been drawn. As per ESPNcricinfo, the two teams have met 9 times at Old Trafford. England have won 4 games with another 5 being drawn. India are yet to post a win here.

England playing XI for 4th Test

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer.

Meanwhile, India, who have an 18-member squad at their disposal, is likely to make one change.

India probable playing XI for 4th Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

At this point, both sides are equally placed with not much to separate them. India have to find the cutting edge and to be fair they have played well in the series, but failed to capitalise when on top.  

Here are the key details of the stadium and pitch report details.

Old Trafford Cricket Ground: Location & Key Details of the Stadium

As mentioned, the Old Trafford Cricket Ground is located in Manchester, England. Established in the year 1857, the stadium can host around 19000 spectators. Lancashire use the Old Trafford Cricket Ground as their home venue. The stadium hosted the 1st Ashes Test in England in 1884. Jim Laker took 10 wickets in an innings here back in 1956. Sachin Tendulkar scored his career’s 1st ton here whereas Shane Warne bowled the Ball of the Century here as well.

What is the Pitch Like at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester?

Historically, the surface in Manchester has assisted a lot of pace and bounce. However, with the passage of time, Old Trafford has lost its shine catering more to slow-paced play over the past two years. One expects a slow and flat surface. This means, India could play with two spinners and bat deep. 

The surface here could draw parallels with Edgbaston in terms of helping batters score runs once set. So both sides will enjoy batting. It will take consistency and work for the bowlers to come good. 

Key Stats & Records at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester

Australia hold the highest team total here at this venue, posting 656/8d versus England in 1964. England’s best score here is 627/9d vs Australia in 1934. Meanwhile, India’s best score here is 432 vs England in 1990.

In terms of the lowest team totals, India’s score of 58 in July 1952 is the worst score here. India also owns the 5th-lowest posting 82 in 1952. Meanwhile, England’s lowest total here is 71 versus West Indies in 1976.

As per ESPNcricinfo, the average run rate for teams batting first at Old Trafford is 2.86 from 85 games. Teams batting first here have won 32 times in addition to losing 17. 36 games have been drawn.  

Meanwhile, the average run rate for teams batting 2nd here is 2.75. 

Joe Root owns 978 runs here at 65.20 with the help of 1 ton and 7 fifties. He is the top scorer overall here. Ben Stokes has done well here. He has amassed 579 runs from 8 matches (12 innings) at 52-plus (100s: 2, 50s: 3).

Among active bowlers, Chris Woakes owns 35 wickets here at just 17.37 and is overall the 4th-highest wicket-taker. He can surpass James Anderson (37).

ENG vs IND: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?

According to the weather forecast, the weather in Manchester, Day 1, will be cloudy with showers in the 2nd session. Temperatures will be from 14-19 degree celsius. Day 2 will be on the colder side with rainfall predicted in the early session. Day 3 will be clear and there is no chance of rain. Day 4 and 5 are expected to have a period of showers. However, there will be sun and cloud covers as well.

ENG vs IND: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

Both sides’ batting unit will enjoy the surface here. Both sides have depth in batting and whoever wins the toss and bats first will hold a slight advantage.

England have won 5 of their last 6 Test matches here at this venue. They have drawn the other one versus Australia in The Ashes in 2023. India last played here in 2014 and lost the clash by an innings and 54 runs.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Old Trafford Cricket Ground

What is the pitch report for Old Trafford Cricket Ground for today’s match?

Pitch is expected to aid batsmen with pacers not expected to get much help. Batters need to settle in and make runs thereafter. Spinners will have say as the surface wears out with slowness on offer. 

Who has the better record between England and India at Old Trafford Cricket Ground?

As per ESPNcricinfo, the two teams have met 9 times at Old Trafford. England have won 4 games with another 5 being drawn. India are yet to post a win here.

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