England have headed to Manchester with the sole intention of sealing the fate of the series by winning the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, starting on July 23.
The hosts kicked off the five-match series with a memorable run chase at Headingley as they took a 1-0 lead at Leeds. However, India bounced back strongly with a brilliant 336-run victory at Edgbaston as they completely dominated the home team.
The visitors headed to Lord's for the third Test as favourites after a memorable victory at Edgbaston. They had also won their last two Test matches against England at the 'Home of Cricket' and were aiming to take the lead in the series.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
However, it was England's bowlers who did the magic in the fourth innings as they successfully defended a 193-run target and went 2-1 up.
The Lord's Test witnessed several heated moments between the two sides, starting with India captain Shubman Gill heckling Zak Crawley. Mohammed Siraj too celebrated in a fiery manner after dismissing Ben Duckett, for which he was even handed a fine by the ICC.
READ: Mohammed Siraj confirms Jasprit Bumrah will play India vs England 4th Test
Will England sledge India in 4th Test? Ben Stokes issues warning
England skipper Stokes interacted with the media on the eve of the fourth Test match at Manchester and revealed if they would sledge the Indian team aggressively.
Stokes told reporters: "Massive series, heat will be shown. We are not going to purposely go out there and go at it (altercation) because that can take the focus away, but won't take a backward step."
MORE: “That loss stung” – Siraj revisits Lord’s heartbreak
What next for the Indian cricket team?
The Indian team dealt with multiple injury blows before the fourth Test as pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh have been ruled out with injuries, while all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will also miss the remainder of the series due to a knock.
Chennai Super Kings' fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, who has joined the team in Manchester, is likely to make his debut at Old Trafford.