Day 5 of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford turned unexpectedly entertaining and not just because of the cricket.
A man who bore a striking resemblance to global pop star Ed Sheeran became the center of attention outside the stadium in Manchester. Dozens of Indian fans queued up to take selfies with Sheeran's lookalike.
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Videos quickly began circulating on social media, showing fans smiling and posing with the mystery redhead.
Many believed the British singer himself had turned up at the venue to cheer on the England cricket team, sparking both excitement and confusion.
Was Ed Sheeran watching the India vs England Test at Old Trafford?
No, superstar singer Ed Sheeran wasn't at the Old Trafford cricket ground to watch the fourth Test match between India and England.
However, a man with his curly ginger hair and casual style, who closely resembled him, fooled many spectators at Old Trafford.
Given Sheeran’s recent connections with cricketers, including Jos Buttler and players from the Rajasthan Royals, fans assumed it wasn’t too far-fetched that he’d show up for a cricket match in Manchester.
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Always a pleasure to have @EdSheeran with us at the cricket 😅 pic.twitter.com/NMXiL28SuT
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2025
Sheeran had also toured India earlier this year and was spotted with players during the Indian Premier League (IPL). That background made the moment even more believable.
Despite the mistaken identity, the moment went viral, and fans enjoyed the light-hearted moment amid a tense day of Test cricket.
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Indian batters' match-saving counterattack in Manchester Test
India, who were in a tough spot at the start of their second innings after being reduced to 0/2, showed grit thanks to half-centuries from KL Rahul and Shubman Gill.
Gill went on to score his fourth century of the series, joining elite names like Sunil Gavaskar and Don Bradman, before being dismissed on 103.
Rahul missed his ton by 10 runs. Even after their dismissals, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar continued the fight and scored half centuries, helping India edge toward a draw.