Manchester :
India produced one of their most heroic rearguard actions at Old Trafford to salvage a draw in the fourth Test and keep the series alive. From 0–2 in their second innings and trailing by 311 runs, the tourists refused to buckle, finishing at 425/4 in 143 overs, securing a draw and leaving the series poised ahead of the finale at The Oval .
Second-Innings Revival Built On Temperament
Resuming Day 5 under immense pressure, India lost two wickets without scoring but were rescued by captain Shubman Gill. He produced a composed 103, his fourth Test century of the series—and his first as skipper—to steady the ship alongside a determined 90 from KL Rahul .
Former spinner Dinesh Karthik likened Gill’s performance to Ricky Ponting’s legendary Ashes leadership of 2005, praising the resolve and clarity under pressure.
Unbeaten Stand That Saved The Match
With India needing calm heads after Rahul’s dismissal, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar dug in deep. The two crafted an unbroken stand exceeding 200 runs, both reaching centuries—Jadeja remaining unbeaten on 107*, Sundar on exactly 101*—batting through two entire sessions to deny England victory .
Their resilience underlined the depth and character in the Indian middle order, especially as conditions eased into benign batting territory through the final day.
Late Controversy: Handshake Refused
A dramatic moment unfolded late when England captain Ben Stokes approached Jadeja and Sundar with a handshake, reportedly signalling his willingness to call off play. The Indian pair declined, opting to keep batting in pursuit of personal milestones. The decision sparked debate but India’s support staff defended the move, citing sporting fairness and earned effort .
England Left Questioning Missed Opportunities
England had stamped their dominance earlier—posting a massive first-innings total of 669, their highest at Old Trafford. But mixups in the field, dropped chances, and an inability to adapt in the final session when time was their ally saw them squander a shot at clinching the series .
Ben Stokes starred with 141 runs and six wickets, capturing Player of the Match honors, but admitted England “missed opportunities” as pressure grew on their depleted bowling unit .
Decider At The Oval Awaits
With the five-match series now locked at 2–2, the decider at The Oval begins Thursday. India carry immense confidence from this escape—an innings that felt more like a win—while England must regroup quickly to avoid squandering home advantage .
Final Score Summary:
Team Innings 1 Innings 2 Result
England 669 — Drawn
India 358 425/4
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