India vs England: India ready to make a comeback in the Manchester Test

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes that India stands a solid chance of bouncing back in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Trailing 1-2 in the five-match series after a nail-biting 22-run loss at Lord’s, India will be eager to level things when the action resumes at Old Trafford. With a week’s break between the third and fourth Tests, the visitors have had time to regroup—although injury concerns continue to plague the squad, with several key players ruled out. Panesar stressed the importance of sticking to the basics and making tactical use of the Old Trafford pitch, which is traditionally known for offering a fair contest between bat and ball.

India vs England: Monty Panesar believes India can level the series in Manchester

Monty Panesar noted that India’s bowlers and batters both have the opportunity to make a significant impact if they play to their strengths. The match is expected to test depth and resilience, but Panesar believes India can overcome their setbacks if they adapt quickly and execute their plans with discipline. Given the quality in the squad and their past success in English conditions, he sees no reason why India can’t turn the tide in their favour and push the series to a decider.

“I think India's got a very good chance of doing well in the next Test match. The pitch will have everything to offer but it's about application and if they can do that, they will have a good chance of winning,” stated former England spinner Monty Panesar. 

Old Trafford in Manchester has historically been a challenging venue for India in Test cricket. Out of the nine matches played between India and England at this ground, the hosts have come out on top in four, while the remaining five have ended in draws. Notably, India has never won a Test match at this venue, making it a fortress of sorts for England in this rivalry.

The last time India played at Old Trafford was during their 2014 tour of England, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. That match turned out to be a forgettable outing for the visitors. England dominated the game and handed India a crushing defeat by an innings and 54 runs. The Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, failing to deliver in both innings, and the bowlers couldn’t contain the English batsmen, who posted a commanding total.

As India prepares to return to this venue for the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in 2025, the memories of that heavy loss will surely linger. However, with a new-look squad and renewed intent, the visitors will be eager to rewrite history and register their first win at Old Trafford—turning the tide in what has been a tightly contested series so far.

“It's going to be a good batting and bowling wicket, with the spinners getting something later on. There will be everything on offer for everyone. If you bowl badly, you'll be punished. While batting there will be pace and bounce, it will be the fastest pitch of the series so far. The bowlers will have to work hard to take wickets, and the batters will not be able to play loose shots and get away with it,” Panesar added. 

Monty Panesar, who featured in 50 Test matches for England, holds fond memories of Old Trafford, a venue where he delivered one of the finest performances of his career making it a big cricket update. It was here in 2007—against the West Indies—that Panesar recorded his best-ever match figures, claiming 10 wickets for 187 runs. The spell remains a highlight in his cricketing journey and showcased his ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions in England.

Reflecting on that performance, the 42-year-old spoke about the mindset that fueled his success on the international stage. According to Panesar, staying focused under pressure and embracing the challenge of big moments helped him thrive. Whether bowling in tough conditions or facing formidable opposition, it was his mental toughness and clarity of role that allowed him to shine. His experience at Old Trafford continues to influence his perspective, especially when discussing how visiting teams can perform better in England’s demanding conditions.