India vs England 4th Test update is here. The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England, to be played at Old Trafford from July 23–27, has become a do-or-die clash for the Men in Blue, who trail 2–1 in the five-match series.
Just days ago, India fell agonisingly short at Lord’s, losing by 22 runs despite a spirited fightback: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj frustrated England’s bowlers, dragging the match deep and making them work hard for the win. In the third Test, chasing a modest 193, India suffered a dramatic collapse, losing wickets in quick succession and handing England a narrow victory.
India vs England 4th Test: Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh hurt
That defeat has been compounded by two setbacks ahead of the fourth Test: Doubts over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability as he was originally slated to play only the first three Tests and a worrying injury to young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. Arshdeep, who was widely expected to make his Test debut at Old Trafford, injured his hand during net practice.
India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, told the media that Arshdeep was struck on the hand by a ball during training and was immediately taken to a doctor for assessment. For a side already under pressure, the potential absence of Arshdeep is a major blow. Yet India remain determined, knowing they will need every ounce of grit and skill to stay alive in the series.
“He took a ball while he was bowling there. So he hit a ball, and he tried to stop it and it’s just a cut. So we have to see how bad the cut is. Obviously, the medical team have taken him off to see a doctor and obviously, if he needs stitches or does he not, that will be important to our planning for the next few days,” he said.
India’s strong bowling line-up remains their biggest strength, as the Men in Blue showed by winning the second Test even without Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah, who was originally scheduled to play a maximum of three Tests in the series as part of a pre-determined workload plan, starred at Lord’s with seven wickets. However, his availability for the next match is not confirmed yet.
India vs England 4th Test: Will Jasprit Bumrah play?
Now, calls are growing louder for Jasprit Bumrah to take the field in the crucial fourth Test and lead India’s charge from the front. Ahead of the series, the BCCI had indicated that Bumrah would feature in a maximum of three Tests as part of a carefully managed workload. But given the high stakes of the current situation, many feel that plan must be reconsidered. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta echoed this sentiment, emphatically stating that Bumrah’s presence in the next match is essential and could make all the difference for the Men in Blue.
“Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test, absolutely yes. I’ve heard rumors that the plan for him was to play in the first, third and fifth Tests. But now, when India are 1-2 behind, the fourth Test becomes very, very crucial. You would definitely want the world’s best bowler to play. There is an eight-day gap between the two Tests. It remains to be seen whether the fifth Test is still relevant after the fourth Test, but the relevance of the fourth Test is considerable,” he said on Star Sports.
India look to level the series as history looms large
After losing the opening Test at Leeds to Ben Stokes’ side, India roared back at Edgbaston with a commanding performance to draw level. Although they narrowly lost the third Test, Shubman Gill’s magnificent 269 anchored a resounding 336-run victory in the second match, keeping India firmly in the contest. The fourth Test now assumes great significance not just to equal the series, but also to overcome a venue steeped in unfavourable history. Since 1936, India have played nine Tests at this ground against England without registering a single win, earning the venue the reputation of cricket’s Manchester curse for visiting Indian sides.
Across these matches, India have suffered four defeats and managed only five draws. The 1952 encounter remains one of the darkest chapters: bowled out for just 58 and 82, India collapsed twice in a single day a unique and humiliating feat in England and slumped to a crushing innings-and-207-run defeat. India will need to overcome both England’s challenge and the weight of history if they are to level the series here. The odds, however, appear more favourable this time. India arrive with a star-studded squad featuring a potent mix of world-class pacers and dynamic batters, all capable of turning the tables on their rivals. With such depth and talent at their disposal, India will fancy their chances of finally breaking the long-standing jinx at this venue and levelling the series in style.
