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As the gripping five-Test series between England and India reaches a crucial juncture, the spotlight has intensified on the Indian camp, now trailing 1-2 ahead of the pivotal fourth Test at Old Trafford. With the stakes higher than ever, former England captain Michael Atherton has weighed in, revealing what he believes is the sole path for Shubman Gill’s India to draw level in the series—and potentially script a famous turnaround.
Ex-England captain’s playbook: Three-spinner formula
According to Atherton, India’s best hope of bouncing back at Old Trafford lies in deploying an aggressive three-spinner attack, capitalizing on the historically spin-friendly conditions in Manchester. “In the middle, where the televised pitches are, I said just flat, flat, flat. You know wrist spin goes well at Old Trafford in those circumstances,” Atherton said on the Sky Sports podcast.
“So I was wondering whether they could go like Bumrah and Siraj and then play their three spinners – Washington Sundar, Jadeja, and Kuldeep,” Atherton remarked in his assessment of the Indian team’s prospects.
“You don’t know about the forecast in Manchester, that’s the other thing. If it’s going to be cooler and showery, and whether the fast bowlers then come into it – but I think that’s a definite option India should think about,” he added.
India’s campaign in the 5-match Test series so far
The series has swung like a pendulum. India’s historic win at Edgbaston was swiftly followed by heartbreak at Lord’s, exposing persistent issues in fielding and selection consistency. Dropped catches have blunted India’s bowling efforts—boasting a catching efficiency of just 60.90% compared to England’s 78.30%—with blunders in the slip cordon and outfield directly resulting in England building crucial partnerships and gaining upper hand in close contests.
Adding to challenges is vice-captain Rishabh Pant’s worrisome fitness. Pant’s grit with the bat and gloves has set new records, but a finger injury has cast a shadow over his participation, potentially forcing India to rejig their batting order and wicketkeeping plans.
Also READ: ENG vs IND – Here’s how India have fared in Test matches at Old Trafford in Manchester
Former Indian cricketers call for calm, clarity, and no panic
Prominent voices—former India cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Mohammad Kaif—have stressed the importance of continuity and composure in selection and mentality moving forward. They argue that frequent chopping and changing after every defeat only piles on pressure and erodes player confidence, while backing the core XI could help India settle and fight as a united group, especially with a relatively inexperienced squad under a new captain.
Ajinkya Rahane, another senior statesman, has urged the team to prioritize taking 20 wickets as the route to victory, highlighting that a batting-heavy strategy alone will not suffice against a resilient English outfit. Improved fielding, sharper bowling and clinical catching will be non-negotiable if India is to convert pressure into results.
With the Old Trafford Test starting July 23, the scenario is clear: India must play bold, back their spinners and show collective resolve to keep the series alive.
Also READ: ENG vs IND – Ajinkya Rahane hints at key tactical shift India must consider for Manchester Test
