The fourth Rothesay Test between England and India begins on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester. India’s narrow loss in the third Test has turned this match into a virtual do-or-die contest.
Old Trafford, located south of Manchester city centre, forms a famous sporting duo with the “other” Old Trafford. It has hosted Test matches since 1884, making it one of England’s oldest cricket grounds. Originally opened in 1857 as the home of the Manchester Cricket Club, it has served as the home ground of Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1864. During British rule, the Indian city of Kanpur was referred to as the “Manchester of India” due to its remarkable industrial growth.
Old Trafford lost its Test status in 2009, prompting extensive redevelopment to increase capacity and modernize its facilities. Since 2013, it has been known as Emirates Old Trafford, following a sponsorship deal with Emirates Airline. To raise funds, the club regularly hosts various events at the venue.
Iconic Test Cricket Moments at Old Trafford:
- Jim Laker’s 19/90 vs Australia (1956): The first and only instance of a bowler taking 19 wickets in a Test match.
- First-ever one-day cricket match (1963): The Gillette Cup launched with a match on May 1.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s first Test century (1990): A memorable 119* at age 17.
- Shane Warne’s “Ball of the Century” (1993): Bowled to Mike Gatting in the Ashes.
- Double 100th Test milestone (2000): Mike Atherton and Alec Stewart both reached 100 Tests against the West Indies.
- Bio-secure venue (2020): Used during the pandemic for matches against West Indies and Pakistan.
- Only English Test ground with two abandoned Tests: Matches in 1890 and 1938 were washed out without a ball bowled.
- Pitch rotated 90° (2005–2013): Solved visibility issues due to the setting sun by shifting the square to a north-south axis.
Old Trafford Stats:
- Capacity: 19,000
- Floodlights: Yes
- Overall England Test Record: Played 84 – Won 33, Lost 15, Drawn 36
India at Old Trafford:
- Played: 9
- Lost: 4
- Drawn: 5
- Wins: 0
