IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Old Trafford, India's Historical Nemesis, Set To Shape Series Outcome

The 2025 India tour of England now heads into a key fourth Test at Manchester’s Old Trafford. This match forms part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series stands finely balanced, with England leading 2-1 after three hard-fought matches. The contest holds significant weight for both sides.

Series, ICC World Test Championship Context

The Indian cricket team’s latest tour of England marks an important chapter in the two nations’ rivalry. The opening Test at Leeds saw England claim a five-wicket victory, showcasing Ben Stokes' tactical acumen in challenging conditions.

India responded impressively at Edgbaston, where captain Shubman Gill’s dominant 269 – India’s highest individual score by a batter in England – anchored a significant 336-run victory. The third Test at Lord’s was a humdinger, with England eventually emerging victors by a narrow 22-run margin.

This sets the stage for the Old Trafford encounter, which could decide the series outcome. This contest is part of the bilateral Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, honouring the legendary careers of James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.

Their connections to Old Trafford add significant meaning to this fixture. Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, developed his skills at this ground as Lancashire’s stalwart. Tendulkar famously scored his maiden Test century here in 1990 as a 17-year-old prodigy.

The fourth Test is part of the ICC WTC 2025-27, currently in its initial stages. This structured four-year cycle features nine competing teams involved in 27 bilateral series across 71 matches, culminating in a June 2027 final. Each nation plays six series – three home and three away – with series durations ranging from two to five Tests.

The points allocation system is as follows: victories yield 12 points, ties 6 points, draws 4 points, and defeats 0 points. Teams will rank by points percentage (PCT) rather than total points, accommodating the variable number of matches per series. Over-rate penalties continue, deducting one point per over bowled short of the required rate.

England sit third in the standings after their Lord’s success, though down a spot due to their slow over-rate. India are fourth with a PCT of 33.33. Old Trafford becomes a key battleground for both teams seeking an early advantage in the championship race, especially as the percentage-based system increases the value of every point earned.

India's Daunting Challenge At Manchester

Historical data reveals Old Trafford as India’s most difficult challenge in English conditions. The venue hosted nine previous Test matches between the nations since 1936, without yielding a single Indian victory.

Statistics show four defeats and five draws across these encounters, creating 'cricket’s equivalent of a Manchester curse' for visiting Indian sides. The 1952 match was especially harrowing, featuring India’s paltry Test totals of 58 all out and 82 all out during a crushing 207-run innings defeat. During the loss, India became the only Test side dismissed twice in a single day’s play in England, collapsing for 58 and 82 within 70 overs combined.

In 2014, MS Dhoni’s team succumbed by an innings and 54 runs despite good individual performances.

This winless run differs greatly from India’s overall record in England, where they registered series victories in 1971, 1986 and 2007.

The venue’s characteristics – typically offering early assistance to seamers before settling into a batting paradise – often increased India’s difficulties against England’s swing bowlers. Mohammad Azharuddin’s excellent 179 in 1990 represents India’s highest individual score at the ground, while Dilip Doshi’s 6/102 in 1982 remains the bowling benchmark.

Old Trafford Cricket Stadium's Rich History

Besides cricket, Old Trafford boasts a rich history and impressive architecture. It is one of England’s oldest Test venues after Lord’s and The Oval, having hosted its first Ashes Test in 1884. The ground’s origins trace back to 1857.

Matches initially attracted modest crowds due to accessibility challenges, though strategic expansions throughout the 19th century established its importance. The second World War severely affected the venue. The site served as a transit camp for Dunkirk troops before suffering extensive bomb damage in 1940 that destroyed major spectator stands.

Repairs enabled it to host the 'Victory Test' against Australia in 1945 before 76,463 spectators. Modern redevelopment took the capacity down to 26,000 for internationals while preserving historical features like the iconic pavilion.

The ground’s ends honour Lancashire legends – christened the James Anderson End and Brian Statham End – acknowledging local heroes. The 12-million-pound 'Point' conference facility stands as one of England’s premier multi-purpose sports venues, hosting events beyond cricket.