A spirited and disciplined batting display from India ensured a hard-fought draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday, denying England a series-clinching victory. Trailing 0-2 in their second innings, India staged a remarkable fightback, finishing at an imposing 425 for 4 in response to England’s massive first-innings total of 669.
Skipper Shubman Gill led the charge with a composed century, while all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar followed suit with gritty tons of their own. The trio’s determination and composure at the crease kept England’s bowlers at bay throughout the final day, as the match drifted toward a stalemate. The teams shook hands shortly after tea on Day 5, confirming the draw.
India’s task had looked daunting when they resumed play on the final day, still trailing by over 200 runs and facing a dominant England side keen to seal the series. However, Gill and KL Rahul laid the groundwork with a resolute partnership in the morning session, which was carried forward by Sundar and Jadeja in the afternoon.
Gill, who came to the crease with India reeling at 0 for 2 early in the innings, showcased his growing stature as a leader, compiling a well-crafted hundred that spanned over six hours. Jadeja and Sundar then capitalised on the platform, their unbeaten 100-run partnership frustrating England’s hopes of breaking through the lower order.
Sundar was particularly fluent, striking a mix of elegant drives and assured strokes on both sides of the wicket. Jadeja, dropped early in his innings, made England pay with a composed knock highlighted by his trademark sword celebration upon reaching three figures.
England captain Ben Stokes, who had starred earlier in the match with a century and a five-wicket haul, toiled through visible discomfort to make a final push with the ball. However, India’s batters remained unshaken, blunting the new ball and refusing to give in to scoreboard pressure or fatigue.
With this result, England maintain a narrow 2-1 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. The final and decisive Test will be played at The Oval next week, with India looking to level the series and England aiming to clinch it on home soil.
