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Old Trafford in Manchester has long been a fortress for the England cricket team in Test matches. With its bowler-friendly pitch and weather conditions that often aid swing and seam movement, the venue has consistently favored the hosts. However, like any stronghold, it hasn’t been immune to setbacks.

England's dominant record

England’s last Test defeat at Old Trafford came in 2014, when India scripted a famous victory under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The match was part of India’s tour of England, and the visitors stunned the home team with a clinical all-round performance.

Since that loss, England has maintained a dominant record at this venue, going unbeaten for nearly a decade in Tests. They have managed to turn Old Trafford into a stronghold once again, with multiple wins and a few draws in that span.

Their performances at the ground have typically been built on fiery spells from pacers like James Anderson—who hails from nearby Lancashire—and strong batting displays from players such as Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

The 2014 loss remains a significant point in England’s Test history at Old Trafford, Manchester, not just because of the result, but also due to the comprehensive nature of the Indian cricket team's performance. This memorable match between India and England also showcased the potential of India’s pace attack and marked one of their rare away Test victories during that era.

As England prepares for future Test assignments at Old Trafford, the memory of that defeat continues to be a reminder that even their most reliable venues can turn challenging when the opposition rises to the occasion.