Facing a daunting 311-run deficit after being reduced to 0/2 in their second innings, India were staring at defeat in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford. But a stirring fightback led by centuries from Shubman Gill (103), Ravindra Jadeja (107*), and Washington Sundar (100*) helped India script one of their most memorable escapes and draw the Test match, keeping the series alive at 2-1.
India’s response was built on resolve, patience and flair – most notably from Gill and KL Rahul, who stitched a 188-run third-wicket stand. Rahul, rock-solid for 230 balls, fell nine short of a century to an unplayable nip-backer from Ben Stokes, but by then had already laid a solid platform.
Gill, who was dropped on 81, went on to complete his ninth Test hundred and fourth of the series. “It was up to the boys in the middle, they batted brilliantly, in the 90s, they deserved the centuries,” said Gill, praising his teammates after the game.
England Try Everything but Fall Short
England’s bowlers, especially Archer and Stokes, fought tooth and nail throughout the final day. “We threw absolutely everything at them but they were able to absorb the pressure,” said Stokes, reflecting the mounting frustration as breakthroughs slipped away.
Stokes, who got Gill with a wide delivery before lunch, kept pushing his tired body.
Stokes acknowledged India’s lower-order resistance: “Heap load of credit for the way Washington and Jadeja played… to do what they did from that position.”
Jadeja, Sundar Shine in Unbroken Double-Century Stand
Post-lunch, Jadeja and Sundar took over, steady at first, then blossoming. They first took India past the deficit and then into a lead, frustrating the English bowlers. The all-rounder duo kept their nerves, soaking up pressure and capitalising on every English mistake.
Jadeja brought up his hundred with a six, and Sundar followed with two crisp boundaries before flicking for the final couple to raise his maiden Test ton. Their 200-run unbeaten partnership sealed the escape.
It's all about taking the day five wicket out of the equation, every ball is an event, take it ball by ball and take it as deep as possible.
A Test Match for the Ages
As Stokes’ offer for a draw was initially turned down – with Jadeja and Sundar keen to get to their milestones – the visitors showed not just resilience, but intent. England, despite having a mammoth first-innings score of 669, could not close out the game.
With the series still alive, the action now moves to The Oval for the final Test. India walk in with renewed confidence. England, though dominant at times, will rue the missed chances.
Brief Scores: India 358 & 425/4 in 143 overs (Jadeja 107*, Gill 103, Sundar 100*; Woakes 2-67, Stokes 1-33) England 669 all out in 157.1 overs (Root 150; Jadeja 4-143) Match drawn: England lead series 2-1.
