Struggles, spells and stubborn resistance at Old Trafford
Old Trafford, Manchester — a venue rich in tradition and English dominance — remains one of India's unbreached fortresses in Test cricket. Nine times India has taken the field here since 1946, and nine times they have walked away without a win. Four losses and five hard-fought draws depict a story of persistence — and beneath that, a legacy of underrated Indian bowling brilliance.
As the 4th Test of the 2025 England-India series heads to Manchester, the ghosts of Old Trafford reappear. But this time, with Shubman Gill's side riding high, all eyes turn to whether India can finally turn the tide.
Here's a look back at the top Indian bowling spells at Old Trafford that nearly changed the outcome.
In 1982, Dilip Doshi bowled as if he had a point to prove. On a pitch offering little turn, the left-arm spinner persisted tirelessly, delivering 47.1 overs to take 6 wickets for 102 runs. England batted first and scored 425, but Doshi's probing line and flight made life difficult for the hosts, hindering their attempts to pull ahead each time they threatened to do so.
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India responded with 379/8, thanks mainly to Gundappa Viswanath's 107, and the match ended in a draw. Doshi's spell, however, stood tall — a masterclass in endurance and subtle variations.
Just after independence hopes began flickering across India, Lala Amarnath delivered a spell that echoed both discipline and national pride. Bowling 51 overs in England's first innings, Amarnath claimed 5 for 96, demonstrating masterful control and economy (1.88 RPO).
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Despite India folding for 170 in their first innings, the bowlers — led again by Amarnath and Vinoo Mankad — prevented England from enforcing a significant lead. The hosts declared at 153/5, setting a challenging target of 278. India narrowly survived, finishing on 152/9. It was Lala's spell that kept the fight alive.
In the same Test as Amarnath's heroics, Vinoo Mankad also made his mark with a 5/101 in the first innings. Bowling 46 overs, Mankad kept one end tight, utilising every bit of drift and dip he could draw from the Old Trafford surface.
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Together, Amarnath and Mankad became India's first Test bowling pair to each take five wickets in an innings outside Asia — a historic achievement, often overlooked.
In what turned out to be a crushing defeat, Surendra Nath stood firm with the ball. His figures of 5 for 115 from 47.1 overs in the first innings were a reward for patience and persistence.
England scored 490, with Geoff Pullar (131) and Mike Smith (100) leading the charge, followed by 265/8 in the second innings. India collapsed to 208 in the first innings but responded with a resilient 376, ultimately falling short by 171 runs. Nonetheless, Surendra Nath's spell remains a gritty chapter in India's Test history.
