England vs. India Tips and Odds – 23/07/2025

• Fixture: England vs India, 4th Test, India tour of England 2025
• Date: 23–27 July 2025
• Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

Match Preview

The compelling five-match series between England and India heads to a decisive moment as both teams clash in the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. With England leading the series 2-1, the hosts are brimming with confidence after a nail-biting 22-run victory at Lord’s, while India are desperately seeking a comeback to keep the series alive. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with both squads hungry for supremacy and packed stands ready for a cricketing feast.

England’s recent form has been rollercoaster-like: over their last five Tests, they’ve registered two wins and suffered three losses. Most recently, they clinched a thrilling victory, having previously lost to India after conceding mammoth totals earlier in the series. Ben Stokes’ men have shown resilience, especially on home turf, capitalizing on familiar swinging conditions. Their batting has relied on experienced hands like Joe Root, while their pace battery, led by Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes, has exploited home surfaces with gusto.

India, on the other hand, find themselves at a crossroads after injuries complicated their selection decisions. Their record in the last five matches reflects inconsistency: only one win, one draw, and three losses. The Lord’s Test exposed their vulnerabilities, but the likes of Jaiswal and Gill have consistently put runs on the board, and the bowling group is feared for its raw pace. However, injuries to Nitish Kumar Reddy (knee), Arshdeep Singh (hand), and doubts over Rishabh Pant’s finger and other squad members have forced new additions and changes in strategy. Jasprit Bumrah’s workload will be a crucial talking point, as India may depend heavily on his spearheading abilities.

Emirates Old Trafford could be a great leveller. Known for its swing and bounce in the opening sessions but turning flatter as the days progress, this pitch has historically favored both batters and bowlers, depending on overhead conditions. The weather in Manchester is always a wildcard—rain interruptions could inject drama and aid seamers if play resumes under cloudy skies, creating a tantalizing prospect for spectators and bowlers alike.

As both teams tweak their XIs (England, for instance, saw Liam Dawson replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir, and India drafted Anshul Kamboj for bowling cover), all eyes are set on whether India can script a comeback or England tighten their grip on the Pataudi Trophy. The tactical battle—especially around usage of strike bowlers, the spin option, and handling pressure moments—could be the difference between victory and heartbreak.

Key Players to Watch

England:

• Joe Root: The backbone of England’s batting with consistency and big-match temperament.
• Zak Crawley: Known for aggressive starts, he can quickly wrest momentum.
• Jofra Archer / Chris Woakes: Both crucial for impactful new-ball bursts, especially under Manchester’s overcast skies.

India:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal & Shubman Gill: Both have notched up impressive run tallies this series and will be vital in setting a solid platform.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Expected to shoulder a heavy bowling workload amid injuries—and his ability to deliver with both new and old ball is vital.
• Rishabh Pant: Question mark over his fitness, but if he plays (possibly as a specialist batter), his counterattacking ability can change the game.

Prediction

Given England’s home advantage, current lead, and slight edge in player availability, they start as marginal favorites. However, if India’s top order fires and Bumrah gets early support from conditions, an Indian comeback is well within the realms of possibility. Expect a closely-fought contest, with weather perhaps playing kingmaker.

Top Betting Markets

Get ready for a thrilling cricket spectacle in Manchester, as every session could tilt the contest—and the series—for these cricketing heavyweights.