New Delhi: With England leading 2-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, Shubman Gill-led India are under pressure to deliver a series-levelling performance when the fourth Test begins at Old Trafford, Manchester on July 23.
India’s agonising 22-run defeat in a thrilling Test at Lord’s handed England both momentum and a crucial advantage in the closely contested five-match series. Now, as the action shifts to Manchester, India must not only overcome a determined Ben Stokes-led England, but also a dismal historical record at Old Trafford.
India first played a Test match at the iconic ground in 1936, and have played nine Tests in Manchester without securing a single victory. The last time India featured at the venue was during their tour of England in 2014. It also means that playing a Test match in Manchester will be a fresh experience for most members of the current Indian squad.
Meanwhile, Old Trafford remains one of England’s most formidable home venues and they return here with a 2-1 lead. England have played 84 Tests at Old Trafford, winning 33 games, while losing 15, and drawing 36 matches.
With the series equation now dramatically shifting in their favour following the thrilling win at Lord’s, England are poised to make the most of familiar conditions to win the series and make the final game of the series at The Oval a dead rubber.
A key concern for India will also be stopping England’s premier batter Joe Root, whose form and record at Old Trafford makes for a formidable read. Root has amassed 978 runs in 11 Tests at this venue, including a double century and seven half-centuries and a highest score of 254.
After scoring a fine 37th Test century at Lord’s, Root will again be central to England’s hopes at Old Trafford. For India, the challenge is clear: overturn poor historical record, keep Root on a tight leash, and keep the series alive.
The upcoming Test at Manchester presents a must-win scenario for India if they are to avoid a series defeat. But Gill & Co can take solace from the fact that they broke through fortress Edgbaston not so long ago – when they became the first Asian team to win a Test match in Birmingham in early July.
3rd Test: Jadeja’s admirable fightback in vain
London: After nearly five days of absolutely gripping and absorbing Test cricket, England rallied around and survived an admirable fightback from a resilient Ravindra Jadeja to seal a stunning 22-run win over India at Lord’s and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. Resuming from 58/4, England’s fast bowlers were right on the money as India were eight down when lunch break came. But Jadeja refused to buckle in hitting a gritty and magnificent 61 not out off 181 balls – his fourth successive half-century in Tests. Despite him and the lower order giving it their all, India were so close yet so far to register a miraculous victory by being bowled out for 170 in 74.5 overs. For England, skipper Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer took three wickets each off bowling 24 and 16 overs respectively, while Brydon Carse had two scalps. Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir, bowling with a left finger injury, had one wicket each, as England found a way via sheer relentlessness and absolute patience to win an incredible Test match on the day they won the ODI World Cup at Lord’s exactly six years ago. |
