As India prepare to face England in the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, one name continues to haunt the visitors — Joe Root. The former England captain, already a proven match-winner in this series, has an extraordinary record at this venue, earning him the title of Manchester’s "Mahamanava" (great man). For India to stand a chance of levelling the series, they must find a way to contain him.

India’s Poor Record at Old Trafford

India have never won a Test match at Old Trafford. With the fourth Test beginning on July 23, the pressure is on captain Shubman Gill and his men to break this winless streak. Compounding the challenge is Joe Root’s dominance at this ground.

Root’s Manchester Mastery

Joe Root has played 11 Tests at Old Trafford, scoring 978 runs in 19 innings at a phenomenal average of 65.20. His Manchester tally includes:

• 1 double century (highest score: 254)

• 1 century

• 7 half-centuries

He is just 22 runs away from completing 1000 runs at this ground — a milestone that reflects his consistency and comfort at the venue.

A Long-standing Nemesis of India

Root’s record against India is equally formidable. He has scored 11 Test centuries against India, the joint-most by any player alongside Steve Smith. In the ongoing series, his contributions have been critical to England’s 2-1 lead.

Series Stats So Far:

• 1st Test: 28 & 53* — anchored England’s second-innings chase

• 2nd Test: 22 & 6 — England lost

• 3rd Test: 104 & 40 — led England to a narrow 22-run win

Clearly, Root’s performances directly influence the outcome. When he fires, England win. When he falters, they struggle.

A Challenge for India's Bowlers

India’s bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will need to execute precise plans to dismiss Root early. Containing him will be critical to India's chances of levelling the series in Manchester and pushing the battle to a decider at The Oval.