What To Expect At Old Trafford, Manchester - The Venue For 5th Test Between India-England

India vs England, 2021: The 5th test match between India and England will be played at the Old Trafford, Manchester, from 10th September. 

Old Trafford has hosted 82 test matches so far in which the team winning the toss has opted to bat first 72 times. The team batting first has won the match 32 times here, lost 15, and drawn 35. In the last 10 years, teams have opted to bat first six times here in which they won thrice, drawn once, and lost twice. The two times a captain has fielded first here, the team has lost. 

Going by the records of the last decade, Manchester's pitch has been brilliant to bat in the first inning. A team scored 45 runs for a wicket in the first inning which then falls to 27.37 in second, 29.77 in third, and 21.23 in the fourth. 

Old Trafford is the second most batting-friendly venue of this series after the Oval. A batter scores close to 30 runs before getting out. From the bowlers' perspective, a bowler averages 31.12.

The venue assists pace bowlers more. They average 27.81 and take a wicket every 53rd ball - third-best among five venues of this series. However, spinners average the worst here - 42.08 while at a strike rate of 72.9. A left-arm orthodox averages more than 46 while an off-break bowler less than 40.  

India has played nine matches at Old Trafford and never won a match here. It has lost four and drawn five matches. India played here last in 2014 where it lost by an innings & 54 runs. 

Old Trafford, Manchester: Weather Forecast

Also Read: India tour of England, 2021

The first three days of the test match are likely to have rain interruptions while the final two days will remain overcast.