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Old Trafford, Manchester: Pitch report, records and highest scores in Test ahead of India vs. England 4th Test Match

Xaviour Raymond

Old Trafford, Manchester: Pitch report, records and highest scores in Test ahead of India vs. England 4th Test Match image

(getty)

As the high-stakes England vs. India Test series moves into its fourth chapter, all eyes turn to Old Trafford in Manchester, a venue steeped in cricketing history and known for producing thrilling battles between bat and ball.

Set to host the fourth Test from July 23 to 27 with England leading the five-match series 2-1 after their narrow 22-run win at Lord’s. For India, this match offers a shot at redemption and a chance to script history at a ground where they’ve never won a Test.

Here's a look at the detailed pitch report, historic records, and the highest Test scores at Old Trafford ahead of this crucial clash.

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How many Test matches has Old Trafford hosted?

Old Trafford has hosted 86 Test matches to date.

How many spectators can Old Trafford hold?

Old Trafford can hold up to 26,000 spectators for an international match.

Old Trafford: Pitch report

Old Trafford in Manchester has long been known as a pacer’s paradise, offering bounce and seam movement that traditionally challenges batters. However, the surface has evolved over the years into a slower track, providing a more balanced contest between bat and ball.

For the upcoming fourth Test, the pitch bears a resemblance to Edgbaston. Batters can expect consistent bounce during the first three days, which could make scores in the range of 340–350 competitive.

Fast bowlers may find assistance under overcast conditions, particularly with light rain forecast throughout the five days, aiding swing and movement. As the match progresses, the surface is likely to deteriorate, bringing spinners into play and making them a key factor in the latter stages of the Test.

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Old Trafford: Average scores and toss results in Test matches

Total Matches

86

Matches won batting first

32

Matches won bowling first

17

Drawn/No Result

37

Average 1st innings Score

331

Average 2nd innings Score

275

Average 3rd innings Score

226

Average 4th innings Score

169

What happened in the previous Test match at Old Trafford?

In the previous T20I match at Old Trafford, England faced Sri Lanka and emerged victorious by 5 wickets. The match was held in Manchester from August 21 to 24, 2024.

What is the highest score by a team at Old Trafford in Test matches?

The highest score by a team at Old Trafford in Test matches is 656/8 declared by Australia against England. This innings was played over 255.5 overs at a run rate of 2.56 during the first innings of the match, which ended in a draw. The Test took place at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting on July 23, 1964.

What is the lowest score by a team at Old Trafford in Test matches?

The lowest score by a team at Old Trafford in Test matches is 58 by India against England. This collapse occurred in the second innings, with India bowled out in just 21.4 overs at a run rate of 2.67. The match was played at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting on July 17, 1952, and India lost the Test.

What is the highest individual score at Old Trafford in Test matches?

The highest individual score at Old Trafford in Test matches is 311 runs by Bob Simpson of Australia against England. He achieved this during the first innings of the match at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting on July 23, 1964. Simpson faced 743 balls over 762 minutes, hitting 23 fours and 1 six, with a strike rate of 41.85.

What is the best bowling figure at Old Trafford in Test matches?

The best bowling figures at Old Trafford in Test matches belong to Jim Laker of England, who took a remarkable 19 wickets for 90 runs against Australia. He bowled 68 overs, including 27 maidens, at an economy rate of 1.32. This historic performance took place at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting on July 26, 1956.

Which batter has the most runs at Old Trafford in Test matches?

The batter with the most runs at Old Trafford in Test matches is Joe Root of England. Between 2013 and 2024, Root has played 11 matches at the venue, scoring 978 runs in 19 innings with an average of 65.20. His highest score at Old Trafford is 254, and his record includes 1 century and 7 half-centuries.

Which bowler has the most wickets at Old Trafford in Test matches?

The bowler with the most wickets at Old Trafford in Test matches is Alec Bedser of England. Between 1946 and 1955, Bedser played 7 matches at the venue, taking 51 wickets in 14 innings.

He bowled 1816 deliveries (or 302.4 overs), including 88 maidens, conceding 686 runs. His best bowling in an innings at Old Trafford is 7/52, with an outstanding bowling average of 13.45, an economy rate of 2.26.

All stats via ESPN cricinfo

IND vs. ENG betting odds and tips, 4th Test match

According to Dafabet, England enter the fourth Test as clear favorites at 1.22, while India are priced at 4.00. The hosts not only lead the series 2-1 but also boast a formidable record at this venue, further strengthening their position.

India's recent resurgence and form of key players, an upset cannot be ruled out in this closely fought series.

 

Odds*

India

4.00

England

1.22

* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change

TSN’s Betting Tips:

  1. Shubman Gill to score 50+ runs in at least one innings: Given his current form, Gill is expected to anchor India's top order again.
  2. Jasprit Bumrah to take 5+ wickets in the match: With conditions likely to aid seamers, Bumrah could once again be India’s game-changer.
  3. England to win the match: Their strong record at Old Trafford and current series momentum give them the upper hand heading into the fourth Test.

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Xaviour Raymond

Xaviour Raymond leads The Sporting News' betting content in India and is a content writer with a Master’s in Mass Communication and over two years of experience working with various firms. A passionate sports enthusiast, he focuses on football and cricket content tailored for Indian fans with a sharp eye on detail and opportunities for betting value.