This series has shown there is no such thing as momentum. England put in the perfect performance at Headingley, and India responded with the perfect performance at the Oval.
What we do know is that, historically, Joe Root's team have shown character after a bad defeat — and they will need all the character they can muster if they are to square the series at Old Trafford.
It won't be easy, but there's nothing to say that England, who looked a stronger side in the last game for the return of Chris Woakes, can't make it 2-2. Given the injuries they've suffered to their bowling attack, that would be a good achievement.
Mark Wood (above) should replace Craig Overton, because of the pace and reverse swing he can offer
They just have to get the basics right, which they failed to do at the Oval. They need to hold their catches, but bear in mind they might have yet another rejigged slip cordon, if they go in without Craig Overton and Jonny Bairstow.
They need to be more ruthless with the bat. And they need someone other than Root to make a big score. So far, he's their only centurion of the series, and he's scored more than three times as many runs as any team-mate. That can't go on.
England have bowled pretty well, but on three occasions they have allowed India's tail to score vital runs: at Lord's and twice at the Oval. In both games, they had India where they wanted them but couldn't finish them off.
Part of the issue is ball management, which India did much better in the last match — even though it's something England have traditionally done well. Reverse swing could come into play in Manchester, so keeping one side of the ball dry will be crucial.
England looked a stronger side in the last game for the return of Chris Woakes (right)
England must also get their selections right. In the last game, they picked a team for the first innings. Four seamers looked good on the first morning, not so much on the fourth afternoon. They need to pick a team to flourish across
