Great Escape… India Salvages Pride by Forcing a Draw in 4th Test
Centuries from Gill, Jadeja and Washington help keep the series alive
Manchester: In the history of Old Trafford, Team India had never won a Test match against England—and they didn’t win yesterday either—but under the leadership of Shubman Gill, Indian batsmen displayed such a gritty fight that drawing the fourth Test felt nothing short of a victory.
Despite trailing by 311 runs, England couldn’t defeat India in the remaining one-and-a-half days. Instead, after erasing the deficit, the Indian team added another 114 runs in their second innings and saved the nation’s pride, effectively cutting England down to size.
The memorable unbeaten partnership of 203 runs in 334 balls between Ravindra Jadeja (107, 185 balls, 218 minutes, 1 six, 13 fours)* and Washington Sundar (101, 206 balls, 298 minutes, 1 six, 9 fours)* ensured England were denied a win.
Both the Indian players turned down repeated requests from Ben Stokes to get the test draw early (before their centuries), which left the Player of the Match Stokes visibly frustrated.
ALSO READ : Get Ready to Enjoy Three Consecutive Sundays in September – Possible Triple India-Pakistan Clashes!
When the match was declared a draw, India’s second innings score was 425/4 in 143 overs.
Earlier, captain Shubman Gill (103 runs, 238 balls, 379 minutes, 12 fours) laid the foundation for the draw. He shared a crucial 188-run partnership with K. L. Rahul (90 runs, 230 balls, 300 minutes, 8 fours). Though Yashasvi and Sudharsan were out for zero, three of the next four batters went on to score centuries. England tried seven bowlers, with Chris Woakes (23-4-67-2) being the most successful.
England currently leads the five-match series 2-1. The final and decisive Test will now be played at The Oval from July 31. India must win it to draw the series.