IND vs ENG / After losing Lord's, even a bigger crisis in Manchester, how the series will be equal

IND vs ENG: The excitement of the five-Test series between India and England is at its peak. So far three Tests have been played, in which the Indian team has lost at Leeds and Lord's. Now it is the turn of the fourth Test, which will be played at Old Trafford ground in Manchester from July 23. The statistics of this ground can be a cause of concern for Indian fans, as India's record here has been very disappointing. On the other hand, this ground proves to be a home fortress for England. Let's take a look at the statistics and challenges of both the teams before this exciting match.

Manchester: Curse or opportunity for India?

The Indian team played its first Test in Manchester in 1936. From then till 2014, India has played a total of 9 Test matches here, but did not get a single win. Out of these, 5 matches were lost and 4 were drawn. The Indian team has not played on this ground for the last 11 years, due to which this ground will be new for many current players. This inexperience can be a big challenge for the Indian think tank. However, the gap between the third and fourth Tests gives the Indian team a chance to formulate a strategy.

Will the Indian batsmen be able to score runs on the challenging Manchester pitch this time? Will the bowlers be able to stop England's strong batting order? These questions are arising again and again in the minds of Indian fans.

England's dominance: Statistics speak in Manchester

Manchester's Old Trafford ground is no less than a fortress for England. England has played 84 Test matches here so far, winning 33, losing 15, and drawing 36. This ground is England's home ground, where their players are well aware of the conditions. England's pitches usually help fast bowlers, and swing bowling can be even more lethal when it is cloudy in Manchester. Indian batsmen are expected to face tough challenges from bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Joe Root: The uncrowned king of Manchester

Former England captain Joe Root spits fire with the bat in Manchester. Root has scored 978 runs in 11 Test matches here, including a century (historic innings of 254 runs) and seven half-centuries. Root is in form after scoring a century in the recent Lord's Test, and the Manchester pitch may suit his bat even more. Indian bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj, will have to make a strategy to get Root out early, otherwise he can prove to be a big threat to India.

Challenges and possibilities in front of the Indian team

The search for victory in Manchester will not be easy for the Indian team. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill will have to take big responsibility in batting. Especially Kohli, whose recent form has been a matter of concern, will have to regain his old rhythm. Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin will play an important role in bowling. Ashwin's spin can be effective on the Manchester pitch, provided he keeps the England batsmen tied on the turning track.

Apart from this, the Indian team will have to work on its weaknesses in the last two Tests, such as losing early wickets early and the collapse of the middle order. The weather will also play an important role in Manchester. If it rains, the match can move towards a draw, which can be a relief for India.

What does the strategy say?

The Indian think tank now has time to understand the conditions of Manchester and make a strategy. Some important points that India will have to keep in mind:

• Responsibility of the top order: Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to avoid early setbacks.
• Strengthening the middle order: Kohli and Gill will have to play long innings.
• Variety in bowling: The right mix of Bumrah's fast bowling and Ashwin's spin is necessary.
• Reining in Joe Root: Getting Root out early can be the key to India's victory.