ENG vs IND 4th Test: Playing XI, Injury Updates & Key Selection Changes

As the England vs India 4th Test kicks off at Old Trafford on July 23, both teams are facing critical decisions around their lineups. With the series finely poised, the fourth match could prove decisive—and finalising the England vs India Test playing XI will be crucial for either side’s chances.

From injury concerns to form-related tweaks, here's a full preview of each team's probable XI, key selection debates, and the latest updates heading into the match.

India Squad Preview: Playing XI, Injuries & Talking Points

Likely India Playing XI:

1. Rohit Sharma (c)
    
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
    
3. Shubman Gill
    
4. Virat Kohli
    
5. Rishabh Pant (wk)
    
6. Ravindra Jadeja
    
7. R. Ashwin
    
8. Shardul Thakur
    
9. Jasprit Bumrah
    
10. Mohammed Siraj
     
11. Mukesh Kumar
     

Team News & Selection Notes:

• Rishabh Pant remains India’s first-choice keeper after consistent performances with both bat and gloves.
   
• Virat Kohli is back after missing early matches due to personal reasons. His inclusion stabilises the middle order.
   
• Ravindra Jadeja has recovered from a minor knee niggle and is expected to play.
   
• Mohammed Shami is still unavailable due to injury and continues his rehab at the NCA.
   
• Axar Patel is likely to sit out unless conditions heavily favour spin.
   

Key Selection Debates:

• Mukesh Kumar vs. Prasidh Krishna: Mukesh’s ability to bowl long spells may give him the edge for this Test.
   
• Shardul Thakur’s spot could be at risk if India opts for a fourth specialist seamer like Avesh Khan—but his batting depth keeps him valuable.
   

England Squad Preview: Playing XI, Injuries & Captaincy Notes

Likely England Playing XI:

1. Zak Crawley
    
2. Ben Duckett
    
3. Ollie Pope
    
4. Joe Root
    
5. Ben Stokes (c)
    
6. Jonny Bairstow (wk)
    
7. Chris Woakes
    
8. Tom Hartley
    
9. Mark Wood
    
10. James Anderson
     
11. Gus Atkinson
     

Injury & Availability Updates:

• Ben Foakes has been ruled out of the 4th Test due to a minor hamstring strain. Bairstow takes over wicketkeeping duties.
   
• James Anderson returns for his home Test at Old Trafford, replacing Ollie Robinson, who’s recovering from a side strain.
   
• Jack Leach remains unavailable for the remainder of the series with a recurring back injury.
   

Captaincy Choices & Strategy:

• Ben Stokes is expected to continue leading the side aggressively, especially after his brave call to declare early in the 2nd Test.
   
• Tom Hartley, the left-arm spinner, keeps his place due to helpful pitch conditions in Manchester that tend to assist spin late in the match.

Who Has the Stronger XI?

Both sides come into the 4th Test with a near full-strength squad, but the matchups are intriguing:

India Strengths	England Strengths
World-class spin duo (Ashwin & Jadeja)	Seam depth with Woakes, Wood & Anderson
Strong lower-order batting	Aggressive top order
In-form captain Rohit Sharma	Root-Stokes middle-order combo

Expect a battle of styles: India’s patience vs. England’s aggression.

Where to Watch ENG vs IND 4th Test Live

Fans in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal can watch the 4th Test live on tapmad, the official streaming platform for the India Tour of England 2025 in the South Asian region.

tapmad Streaming Includes:

• Live HD coverage from Old Trafford
   
• Ball-by-ball commentary and highlights
   
• Mobile, desktop & Smart TV support
   
• Flexible monthly plans and free trial options (region-dependent)

Pitch Report & Conditions

Old Trafford is known for seam movement early in the match and spin support from Day 3 onward.

• Fast bowlers will get assistance in the first two days with overcast skies likely.
   
• Spinners will play a bigger role as the pitch dries out—especially on Days 4 and 5.
   
• Weather forecast shows mild conditions with minimal rain interruptions expected.

Final Word

The England vs India 4th Test 2025 promises to be a high-stakes showdown, and the final playing XIs could play a big role in determining the result. With form, fitness, and strategy all under the microscope, both captains have crucial choices to make.

Whatever the combination, fans can expect five days of gripping Test cricket—and thanks to tapmad, you won’t miss a single delivery.