India's extraordinary bad luck continues with 14th consecutive toss loss

On July 23, 2025, at Old Trafford in Manchester, India faced England in the fourth Test of their series. India lost the toss for the 14th consecutive time, with England's captain Ben Stokes opting to bowl first. This feat is highlighted by the statistically rare odds of 16,384 to 1 against such a streak. The match commenced amidst overcast conditions, which were seen as favorable for bowlers. Despite England's decision, India’s opening partnership of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal thrived, reaching 78 runs without loss at lunch, indicating a strong start for the visitors. Yet, historically at Old Trafford, no team has secured a victory after choosing to bowl first throughout 85 matches, raising questions about England’s toss-winning fortune. The context surrounding the fourth Test includes the dynamics between the two teams; England led the series 2-1 after winning the third Test at Lord’s. The rising tensions from previous encounters added a competitive edge to this match as the Indian players hoped to level the series against a confident English side. The toss loss marked a significant moment for India, who were hoping to reverse their luck as the batting began. Shubman Gill's incorrect call at the toss means India continues their unfortunate run in what has been an intense series. In the first session, England's bowling attack, particularly Chris Woakes, was anticipated to be effective given the atmospheric conditions. However, they struggled to make early breakthroughs with Woakes consistently testing Jaiswal's edge but yielding no success. Jaiswal managed to capitalize on his luck, particularly after an initial challenging spell and showcased his ability to score, which combined with Rahul's stable approach, put India in a favorable position early in the innings. The first hour of play underlined both India's resilience and England's missed opportunities, reflecting a critical moment in the ongoing series. As the match progresses, England's reliance on their bowling decision will be scrutinized. Historical patterns at Old Trafford suggest that the hosts may face an uphill battle to maintain their lead in the series. Meanwhile, India's performance will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this crucial fourth Test, as both teams seek to capitalize on their respective strengths in what has been a riveting contest throughout. The results of this match will not only affect the series standings but also influence the perception of luck and performance in terms of skill among international teams in Test cricket.