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India are clearly on the edge where it comes to this next Test match at the Old Trafford at Manchester. It is an iconic venue where it comes to Test cricket on the whole, not just England Cricket. Greats have cut their teeth here, legends have hit memorable knocks and ecstatic Ashes contests held here in the past have quite simply raised the bar of Test contests here. But at the moment, there are twin narratives in the air ahead of the 4th Test.
On the one hand, while England are walking with a spring of confidence in their step, India, on the other hand, are trailing the hosts 1-2. They haven't drawn a single contest, which is good to the extent that each contest held thus far in 2025 between the two sides in England has produced a result. But that major, first win of this series so far has eluded the visitors being led by Gill. So that leaves us to consider India v England 4th Test: Head-to-Head, Key stats, overall record:
What to look out for at Old Trafford from an India perspective?
KL Rahul, one of India's technically correct, widely noted and most accomplished right handed batter is on the verge of touching his 9000th international run in an India jersey. He needs just 60 more to do so. On the other hand, Jadeja, in form and having constantly been among the runs, will look forward to hold the fort once again for his team, now that a win is so keenly sought.
Moreover, Jasprit Bumrah, without much of a doubt, is yet to bowl for the first time ever at this venue. He's played at Lord's, he has combatted England at Headingley and The Rose Bowl and other venues, but could factor in some useful spells and possibly game-changing ones at this venue. That's going to be the key.
What's more? No fewer then 8 Indians have previously scored centuries at this venue, including the likes of icon Sachin Tendulkar, the wristy and elegant Azharuddin and even Sir Sunny Gavaskar, which is hardly a surprise. But where it comes to the present and elegant generation commanding India's hopes- the likes of Gill and Pant and company, both of whom have hit tons in the present series (much like KL Rahul and Jaiswal) would like to come to the party at Manchester.
Let it not be forgotten that a first-ever Test win at the Old Trafford, hopefully bagged by new zeal, is still very much awaited.
How does India's record stand at Old Trafford, in Manchester
On the whole, India, who are poised to walk into the Old Trafford ground in Manchester have played a Test match on 9 previous occasions here. But each time, they've remained elusive from a Test match win. Different great batters from one era to another have been part of India's line up at Manchester, whether one speaks of Sir Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, or Virat Kohli, or KL Rahul, as one can see in the present day.
India's highest team total at Old Trafford, in Manchester
Over three decades back in the day, India scored a big score of 432 team runs at the particular venue, which happens to be their highest-ever run tally as a team. The result on that occasion against an English bowling attack featuring Devon Malcolm, Angus Fraser and Chris Lewis being a well-fought draw.
Batters like Azharuddin, 179 in that very contest, followed by Sanjay Manjrekar, 93 followed by the majesty of Tendulkar- 68, and 119 in that very same game rose to India's cause. In a run-heavy contest, wickets were too far and infrequent a sight on that occasion.
The great maestro, hung in there, for over 440 minutes on the whole wielding his bat in the fashion of a legend.
India's lowest team total at Old Trafford, in Manchester
There have been several sides that have played several Tests against England at this venue, these being- South Africa, Pakistan, Australia, West Indies and New Zealand. These names are besides Team India. But what is unfortunately a fact that Team India would simply rue about is the very fact that the team responsible for scoring the lowest-ever-team score at this venue is India. In a game in 1952, Team India were all out for a score of 58 at the venue, lasting only 21.4 overs in all.
Even as that was so far back in time, it was anything but an ideal result.
How many Test matches have India won at Old Trafford in Manchester?
India are yet to win a single Test match at this particular venue. Thus far, from the beginning, Team India have played no fewer than 9 Test matches at this very venue. So what they clearly seek is some form of a turnaround, whether or not that can happen in the course of the next 5 days. But there's no reason not to walk into the Old Trafford ground sans optimisim.
FAQs
How many times have England beaten and drawn a Test v India at Old Trafford, Manchester?
So far, England have won 4 Tests whilst drawing 5 games against India at the venue.
Who top scored during India's highest team score of 432 at this venue?
It was back in 1990, when the great Sachin Tendulkar made scores of 68 and 119 not out.
