Centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar propelled India to a spirited draw against England in the fourth Test match held at Old Trafford, Manchester. This result keeps the series alive as the teams head into a decisive final encounter.
Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, India demonstrated remarkable resilience. Facing great pressure after losing two wickets without a run scored in their second innings, the team managed to bat for an impressive five sessions, concluding the match at 425 for the loss of four wickets. Gill’s courageous century—his fourth in the series—was complemented by steadfast contributions from both Jadeja and Sundar, who also reached three figures, creating little opportunity for the home crowd to celebrate on what turned into a challenging final day for England.
With the ongoing series currently favoring England at 2-1, the hosts now face the challenge of avoiding defeat in the forthcoming Test at The Oval in London, scheduled for Thursday. Gill expressed a sense of achievement despite the match ending in a draw. He remarked on the impressive display orchestrated by his team, noting their ability to withstand the pressure even when the opposition seemed primed for victory as England looked to capitalize on their bowling advantage.
The match saw England’s Ben Stokes emerge as a key performer, notably taking five wickets in India’s first innings. However, he struggled with fitness during the latter stages of the game. At one point, Stokes brought himself into the attack, successfully trapping KL Rahul, who had accumulated an impressive score of 90. Despite the pressure, Gill remained focused and undeterred, marking an impressive milestone for any debuting captain.
Garnering attention throughout the match, both Jadeja and Sundar exhibited exceptional form, showcasing their capabilities under pressure. Jadeja became the third Indian player to surpass 1,000 Test runs against England in the current series, while Sundar achieved his maiden Test century.
The match concluded with India adeptly navigating through the remaining overs, resulting in a draw that marks the first non-rain affected draw for England since the partnership of coach Brendon McCullum and Stokes began in 2022. As the teams prepare for the thrilling final Test at The Oval, eyes will be on both teams as they vie for supremacy in this closely contested series.
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