MANCHESTER (Kashmir English): The fourth Test of the India vs England series ended in a thrilling draw at Old Trafford, thanks to a stunning second-innings fightback by the Indian side led by captain Shubman Gill.
After being set a huge lead of 669 runs, India found themselves in deep trouble at 0/2. But Gill’s determined century (103), along with key contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, turned the tide. Both Jadeja (107*) and Sundar (101*) scored unbeaten centuries, ensuring the visitors held on and avoided defeat.
This Test was part of the ongoing India vs England five-match series. With England already leading 2-1, a win here could have sealed the series. However, India’s gritty batting across five sessions kept the series alive, with the final match now set to take place at The Oval.
England’s Ben Stokes delivered a brilliant all-round performance in the India vs England test, scoring 141 runs and taking five wickets. His effort made him the first England captain to score a century and take five wickets in a single Test match. Despite this, the bowlers couldn’t break the strong Indian resistance on the final day.
Stokes is now only the third cricketer in Test history to have both scored 7,000 Test runs and taken 200 wickets after outstanding West Indies all-rounder Garfield Sobers and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis.
At one point after tea on Day 5, England offered a draw when India were four wickets down and leading by 71 runs. However, India chose to continue, giving both Jadeja and Sundar time to complete their hundreds before shaking hands for a draw.
The India vs England contest is now perfectly poised heading into the final Test. With India showing such resilience and England still holding the lead, the upcoming match at The Oval is expected to be a thrilling decider.
This match has been praised by fans and analysts alike as one of the most exciting games in recent memory. Shubman Gill’s leadership and calm under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of cricket’s greatest captains.
