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The inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series has captivated cricket fans with its intense competition and dramatic swings of momentum. After three gripping encounters, England currently holds a slender 2-1 lead over India.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: High stakes heading to Old Trafford
The series began with England securing a commanding 5-wicket victory at Headingley, but India roared back with a resounding 336-run win at Edgbaston, where Akash Deep was the hero with match figures of 10/187. The third Test at Lord’s saw a nail-biting finish, with England clinching a narrow 22-run victory.
Now, with the fourth Test set to begin on July 23rd at Old Trafford in Manchester, the stakes are incredibly high for Shubman Gill‘s Indian side, who must win to level the series and force a decider. This crucial encounter will not only test the current form of both teams but also challenge India’s historical jinx at Old Trafford, a venue where they have a dismal record of no wins in nine previous Test matches, suffering four losses and five draws. Despite this daunting history, India can draw confidence from their remarkable turnaround at Edgbaston, where they broke a similar winless streak, demonstrating their capability to overcome historical hurdles and deliver under pressure.
Top 5 key battles for England vs India 4th Test, Manchester
As India looks to bounce back in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the 4th Test at Old Trafford promises several intriguing individual matchups that could significantly influence the outcome. Here are five key battles to watch:
1. Shubman Gill (IND) vs Brydon Carse (ENG)
Indian captain Shubman Gill has been in sensational form, leading the run-scorers in the series with 607 runs at a phenomenal average of 101.16, including a double century (269) and two other centuries (147, 161). However, he was dismissed by Brydon Carse for just 8 runs in the first innings of the 1st Test at Headingley and another time for just 6 runs in the second innings of the 3rd Test at Lord’s. Carse, with 9 wickets at an average of 48.11 and an economy of 3.70 in the series, has shown glimpses of his ability to trouble top-order batter. This battle will be crucial as Gill aims to provide another massive score, while Carse will look to exploit any early movement and dismiss the Indian skipper cheaply, building pressure on the visiting side.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) vs Jofra Archer (ENG)
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the explosive Indian opener, has accumulated 233 runs in the series at an average of 38.83, showcasing his attacking intent. Jofra Archer, making a strong comeback to Test cricket, has been a potent threat for England. Archer has dismissed Jaiswal once in the series; for 12 runs in the second innings of the 3rd Test at Lord’s. This head-to-head demonstrates Archer’s ability to trouble Jaiswal with his pace and movement, making their contest at the top of the innings a fascinating watch as Jaiswal looks to overcome Archer’s challenge.
Also READ: England vs India 2025: Test Stats and Records at the Old Trafford, Manchester
3. Harry Brook (ENG) vs Jasprit Bumrah (IND)
Harry Brook has been a vital cog in England’s middle order, scoring 314 runs at an average of 52.33, including a crucial 99 in the 1st Test. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, has been exceptional, one of leading India’s wicket-takers with 12 wickets at an average of 21.00 and an economy of 3.48. Bumrah has dismissed Brook once in the series, getting him caught for 11 in the first innings of the 3rd Test, denying him a big score. Brook’s aggressive approach against Bumrah’s precision and pace, especially with the new ball and in crucial phases, will be a high-stakes encounter that could dictate the flow of the middle overs.
4. Joe Root (ENG) vs Ravindra Jadeja (IND)
Joe Root, England’s most prolific batter, has been in sublime form, scoring 253 runs at an average of 50.60, including a century at Lord’s (104 in the first innings, and 40 in the second). Ravindra Jadeja, India’s premier left-arm spinner and a crucial all-rounder, has taken 3 wickets in the series at an average of 110.33 and an economy of 2.95. With the bat, Jadeja has contributed significantly, scoring 327 runs at an average of 54.50, including a century. While Jadeja has a good overall record against Root in Test cricket, he has not dismissed him in this specific series. This battle will pit Root’s masterful technique against Jadeja’s accuracy and subtle variations, especially as the pitch wears down and spin comes into play.
5. Ben Duckett (ENG) vs Mohammed Siraj (IND)
Ben Duckett, England’s attacking opener, has scored 271 runs at an average of 45.16 in the series, often setting the tone for England’s aggressive approach. Mohammed Siraj, India’s fiery fast bowler, has been a consistent threat, picking up 13 wickets at an average of 32.00 and an economy of 3.81. Siraj has dismissed Duckett once in the series, getting him caught for 12 runs in the 3rd Test at Lord’s, a dismissal that was followed by an intense send-off from the Indian pacer. Duckett’s fearless batting against Siraj’s raw pace, swing, and aggressive demeanor will be an intense and potentially explosive opening battle, setting the tone for each innings.
