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Zero Wins In 9 Attempts! India Face Daunting Task In Manchester After Lord's Heartbreak

Anurag Dasgupta

Trouble for India? [Source: @bcci/x.com] Trouble for India? [Source: @bcci/x.com]

Not a lot was expected of the young Indian team when the squad was announced for the England Tests; however, to everyone's surprise, the Shubman Gill-led side has been a revelation and have gone toe-to-toe with the English side in their backyard. The 2-1 scoreline doesn't justify the brilliant brand of cricket India have played throughout the series.

However, they now face an uphill task as the young side are already down in the series and needs to win the 4th Test in Manchester to keep their hopes of a series win alive. The Indian team has a mountain to climb and it is not due to the brilliance of the England team but because of their past record at the Old Trafford Ground.

India's woeful record at Manchester

Over the years, India has breached multiple fortresses, including Gabba and Edgbaston, and so, they once again have to breach England's fortress, Old Trafford, as the Indian team has never won a single Test match at this venue. Their record at this ground is quite forgettable, with the side winless in the nine Tests played here (4 losses, 5 draws).

The Gill-led side will need to be at their absolute best if they are to topple England at one of their favourite home grounds.

Why India struggles at Old Trafford?

Apart from Headingley, Leeds, Old Trafford is one of the English ground which stays true to its nature and tends to produce green tops which makes life difficult for the Asian sides. The Indian team have also endured nightmares as the batters fail to get used to the swinging conditions and by the time they adjust, the game is done and dusted.

England's dominant record at Old Trafford, Manchester

Old Trafford remains one of England's favourite hunting grounds as the Three Lions have a terrific record at this venue. In 84 Tests, the home side has won 33 matches and has lost 15, while drawing 36 matches.

The side will aim to continue their domination as India will need to find a way to beat the high-flying English side to level the 5-match series.