England won the toss and opted to bowl first in the fourth Test in Manchester. This is a must-win game for India to stay alive in the series. They are trailing 1-2 in the series and must win the last two Tests to win the first series in England since 2007. India have played good cricket, but they have not been able to apply constant pressure for all five days. England have found a way to comeback and take out India with the knockout blow.

Why Are Akash Deep, Nitish Reddy Not Playing?

Meanwhile, India made three changes to the playing XI. Nitish Reddy and Akash Deep were left out of the playing XI due to injury. Reddy picked up a knee injury during a gym session before the Test, while Akash Deep is struggling with a groin issue. India included Anshul Kamboj in the playing XI while Shardul Thakur replaced Nitish Reddy. India also dropped Karun Nair and included Sai Sudharsan.

Captains' Take

Indian captain Shubman Gill said that he was confused about the toss and is happy to bat first. Manchester has been a batting-friendly surface and historically has helped the teams batting first, but Stokes said he decided to bowl first, keeping the overhead conditions in mind.

"I was actually confused. Good toss to lose. The way we've played in the last three Tests has been outstanding. Some crunch moments we've lost, but we've won more sessions than them. You need a bit of a break. All three Tests were intense. Looks like a good surface. Nice and hard. There's some forecast around for the four-five days. Three changes: Sai Sudharsan comes in place of Karun. Kamboj and Shardul are in as well for Akash Deep and Reddy who are injured," said Gill.

"We're going to have a bowl. Decent overhead conditions for bowling. We've had a good break in between. Good chance for everyone to head back home and get the batteries recharged. Everyone left everything out on the field at Lord's. We've had three games go down to the final session, which says a lot about the quality of the teams. Typical Manchester wicket. Quite firm. Some grass. Dawson back in the team - long time since the last Test but he's gone well over the years," said Stokes.