The cricketing rivalry between India and England is currently unfolding across multiple fronts, with both the senior men’s teams and the Under-19 squads engaged in high-stakes Test matches. As of July 23, 2025, the senior Indian team is battling England in the crucial fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester, while the Under-19 teams are midway through their second Youth Test in Chelmsford.
Senior Men’s Test: A Battle of Attrition in Manchester
The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 commenced at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, with England holding a significant 2-1 lead in the series. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing favorable overhead conditions for his bowlers. This decision sets the stage for a challenging start for the Indian batting lineup on a pitch described as firm with some grass coverage, offering something for the pacers, according to pitch reports. The Indian Express reported that the conditions are expected to remain overcast throughout the scheduled five days, with some showers predicted for Day 1.
India’s preparations for this pivotal match have been significantly hampered by a string of injuries. All-rounder Nitish Reddy has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a knee injury, while pacers Akash Deep (groin injury) and Arshdeep Singh (thumb injury) are also unavailable for the Manchester Test. These setbacks have forced India to make three changes to their playing XI. Uncapped fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has earned his maiden Test cap, becoming India’s 318th Test player, replacing Akash Deep. Shardul Thakur comes in for Nitish Reddy, and Sai Sudharsan replaces Karun Nair. NDTV Sports highlighted a notable statistic: Anshul Kamboj is the first Indian to debut in Manchester since Anil Kumble in 1990, both having a 10-wicket haul in First-Class cricket. England, on the other hand, made one change, bringing in slow left-arm orthodox spinner Liam Dawson for the injured Shoaib Bashir.
Indian captain Shubman Gill, despite losing his fourth consecutive toss in the series, expressed confidence in his team’s performance, stating that India has won more sessions than England in the preceding Tests, despite losing some crucial moments. He acknowledged the need for a break after intense matches. England’s captain Ben Stokes emphasized the team’s recharged batteries after a break and the close nature of the series, with all three previous Tests going down to the final session. The series has been marked by fierce rivalry, including on-field exchanges and sledging, reflecting the high stakes of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Historically, Old Trafford has not been a favorable venue for India, who have yet to secure a Test victory there in nine attempts since 1936, recording four losses and five draws. This adds another layer of challenge for Shubman Gill’s side as they aim to level the series and force a decider at The Oval.
Under-19 Youth Test: India’s Collapse and England’s Dominance
Meanwhile, at the County Ground in Chelmsford, the second Youth Test between India U-19 and England U-19 is progressing with England in a strong position at the end of Day 3. England posted 309 runs in their first innings, with Ekansh Singh scoring a century. Naman Pushpak was the pick of the Indian bowlers with four wickets, supported by Aditya Rawat and RS Ambrish, who took two wickets each.
India U-19 started their first innings strongly, reaching 159/1 in 26 overs, largely thanks to a dominant partnership between captain Ayush Mhatre (80 off 90 balls) and Vihaan Malhotra, who scored a brilliant century (120 off 122 balls). However, the second session of Day 3 saw a dramatic collapse, with India losing nine wickets and being bowled out for 279, falling 30 runs short of England’s first innings total. Spinner Ralphie Albert was the wrecker-in-chief for England, claiming an impressive six wickets for 53 runs. The Indian Express reported that England’s openers, BJ Dawkins and Adam Thomas, then extended their team’s advantage, reaching 93/0 at Stumps on Day 3, giving England a commanding lead of 123 runs. Rain had previously delayed and interrupted play on Day 2 and the start of Day 3.
This Youth Test series follows a five-match ODI series, which India U-19 won, and a drawn first Test. The ongoing second Test promises another exciting finish as India U-19 looks to mount a comeback on Day 4.
