ENG vs IND 2025: 3 reasons India could lose to England in 4th Test

ENG vs IND 2025: 3 reason India will lose to England in the 4th test. (Photo source: BCCI)

The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford between England and India is all set to begin on July 23. Trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, the Shubman Gill-led team are in a must-win scenario to stay alive in the contest. With their backs against the wall, the team must regroup quickly after a 22-run loss in the third Test at Lord’s.

Despite moments of brilliance, the inability to close out important phases has cost them the games. Now, as they face England in Manchester, India must bring their best game forward. While a comeback is very much within reach, the road ahead is full of challenges that could swing the series away from them. 

Three reasons India will lose to England in the 4th test: 3. India's growing injury list ahead of 4th Test: Nitish Kumar Reddy. (Photo Source: Andy Kearns/Getty Images)

As India looks forward to the must-win fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, a growing list of injuries can play a big role in affecting their campaign. With England leading the series 2-1, the visitors are trapped in a selection dilemma due to multiple injuries in the squad.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has already been ruled out of the series with a knee injury sustained in the gym. Furthermore, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has also been sidelined after injuring his thumb during a net session, while Akash Deep, nursing a groin issue, looks doubtful for the upcoming contest. The side has called up Anshul Kamboj as the cover pacer. 

Notably, these injury concerns will leave India searching for pace options, with Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna now in contention. Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is also being managed carefully due to workload concerns, and although Rishabh Pant has shown positive signs in practice, his finger injury remains a concern for his role as a wicketkeeper. With so many uncertainties, the depleted squad could significantly hamper their chances in the game.

2. India's record at Old Trafford in Manchester: Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester (Photo Source Twitter/X)

India’s concerning history at Old Trafford will be a spot of bother for the visitors. In nine Test matches played at the venue since 1936, India have never registered a win, losing four and drawing five. The iconic ground, home to James Anderson and known for its pace-friendly conditions, has been a difficult hunting ground for Indian teams over generations.

This ground has seen the Indian team witness crushing innings defeats in 1952 and, during the 2014 series, suffer another huge loss under MS Dhoni's captaincy. Notably, the Men in Blue were defeated by New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semifinal at the same venue.

India at Old Trafford, Manchester (In Tests)

No. of Test	YEAR	RESULT	MARGIN	CAPTAIN
1	1936	Draw	—	Maharajah of Vizianagram
2	1946	Draw	—	Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi
3	1952	Defeat	innings and 207 runs	Vijay Hazare
4	1959	Defeat	171 runs	Datta Gaekwad
5	1971	Draw	—	Ajit Wadekar
6	1974	Defeat	113 runs	Ajit Wadekar
7	1982	Draw	—	Sunil Gavaskar
8	1990	Draw	—	Mohammad Azharuddin
9	2014	Defeat	innings and 54 runs	MS Dhoni

1. Inconsistency by lower-middle order Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar. (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

India’s worrying tendency to suffer sudden collapses has once again grabbed attention ahead of the fourth Test against England in Manchester. In both the first and third Tests, India gave up strong positions with underwhelming batting collapses that directly led to defeat. At Headingley, India went from 447/4 to 471 all out in the first innings and 333/4 to 364 in the second, losing their strong position despite solid top-order efforts.

Similarly, at Lord’s, another batting failure resulted in a narrow 22-run loss. These repeated failures, particularly from the lower order, have exposed the team's tail. With major players injured and a must-win game situation, India’s inability to bat deep could hurt them once again.