ENG vs IND 2025: 'India got a good chance' - Monty Panesar backs India to win Manchester Test

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar believes India has a strong chance of winning the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The visitors head into the match trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, following a narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s.

With a week’s break between matches, India will be looking to bounce back, despite dealing with multiple injuries that have sidelined key players. Panesar emphasised that India should focus on the fundamentals and use the conditions at Old Trafford to their advantage. He noted that the pitch is expected to offer something for everyone over the course of the five days, making it a good battle between bat and ball.

“I think India's got a very good chance of doing well in the next Test match. The pitch will have everything to offer but it's about application and if they can do that, they will have a good chance of winning,” Panesar said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

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England have won four of the nine Test matches played against India in Manchester, with the remaining five ending in draws. The last time India played at this venue was in 2014, under the leadership of MS Dhoni. However, they suffered a heavy defeat, losing by an innings and 54 runs.

“It's going to be a good batting and bowling wicket, with the spinners getting something later on. There will be everything on offer for everyone. If you bowl badly, you'll be punished. While batting there will be pace and bounce, it will be the fastest pitch of the series so far. The bowlers will have to work hard to take wickets, and the batters will not be able to play loose shots and get away with it,” Panesar added.

Panesar, who played 50 Tests for England, recorded his best-ever figures at Old Trafford, taking 10 for 187 against the West Indies in 2017. The 42-year-old reflected on the mindset that helped him perform on the biggest stages during his career.

"While playing for England, the key was the processes. I focused on my preparation and processes, it helped me handle the pressure. It would have been a lot harder had I been focusing on the outcome,” Panesar said.

"It was tough, we had to be resilient and mentally strong. That is what is most important and everything else falls into place. Take the importance out of the equation; the bigger the occasion, less important it is in the mindset so you can perform at your best. I tend to perform better when stakes are higher; I used to enjoy bowling against the best batters in the world,” he concluded.