How MS Dhoni’s India Faced A Meltdown In Their Last Test In Manchester

Poulomi Chakraborty

Team India's Heartbreaking Defeat In Manchester (Source: @Cric_records45/x.com)Team India's Heartbreaking Defeat In Manchester (Source: @Cric_records45/x.com)

As Team India is facing England in an ongoing five-match Test series, the fourth match of the series is set to unfold at the iconic Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. Already trailing behind in the series by 1-2, the upcoming clash will be crucial to keep their hope alive in the series.

As Shubman Gill and co. are ready to face the mighty English side on their undisputed fortress, the record is clearly backing the hosts. India’s quest for a win at Old Trafford remains elusive, with four losses and five draws in nine matches played there so far.

As both teams prepare for an important matchup, let’s look back at the last time India and England faced off in a Test in Manchester.

India’s Batting Crumbles Under Relentless English Bowling Pressure

In 2014, India and England locked horns in a five-match Test series, and Manchester hosted the fourth clash of the series. Opting to bat first, the visitors were rocked at 8/4 within just six overs, as the deadly Anderson-Broad duo unleashed relentless pressure with a fiery opening spell.

After those quick setbacks, Team India eyed a comeback depending on Ajinkya Rahane and MS Dhoni’s 54-run partnership, but Chris Jordan removed Rahane in 24 runs. After that, Ashwin stitched a 66-run partnership with MS Dhoni.

Standing in that crucial position, Captain MS Dhoni led the side from the front. Crafting a valuable half-century, he played an exceptional knock of 71 runs in 133 balls with 15 boundaries. Depending on that, Team India ended their first innings in 152 runs.

England Pile On The Runs And Crush India In A One-Sided Affair

After restricting Team India to 152 runs, the hosts rose to the occasion with their exceptional batting performances. Though India achieved some breakthroughs, a key 77-run partnership between Gary Ballance and Ian Bell changed the game. After Ballance was out, Bell continued by scoring a steady 58 off 82 balls, keeping England firmly in charge.

After his dismissal, Joe Root and Jos Buttler tightened their grip and crafted an exceptional 134-run partnership. After Root departed, scoring 77 runs, Buttler added 70 runs and pushed England’s total to 367 runs.

Chasing 215 runs in the second innings, Team India’s woes deepened again. The top order’s failure persisted, and the middle order also crumbled against the lethal English bowling attack. Despite Ashwin’s unbeaten 46, the rest of the lineup faltered, managing just 161 runs. England wrapped up a dominant win by an innings and 54 runs, leaving the visitors with plenty to reflect on.