India draws fourth Test at Old Trafford
India Draws Fourth Test in Manchester – Grit & Historic Effort
India draws fourth Test in a thrilling finale at Old Trafford, turning a daunting 311-run deficit into a spectacular draw. England scored 669 in their first innings—one of their highest totals—but India’s middle order stood firm, managing 425/4 in the second innings to deny the hosts victory.
How India Staged One of Their Greatest Saves
England began with dominance—two wickets without a run, followed by a massive team total. Expected to win easily, they failed to break through as the pitch flattened. India batted more than five sessions, losing just two wickets after the top-order collapse.
Key Performers Who Saved the Test
- Shubman Gill: Scored his fourth century of the series, joining Don Bradman and Gavaskar in elite company. Gill now tops Old Trafford’s run charts and passed legends like Dravid and Ponting.
- Ravindra Jadeja & Washington Sundar: Both remain unbeaten centuries on Day 5, forming an unbroken stand exceeding 200, and rewriting history in England. Sundar’s ton was his first in Tests.
Stokes & Root’s Historic Yet Hurtful Effort
- Ben Stokes delivered a standout performance—141 runs and a five-wicket haul, becoming the first England captain since Imran Khan to achieve this double. His tally: over 7,000 Test runs and 224 wickets.
- Joe Root surpassed Dravid, Kallis, and Ponting to among the top all-time run scorers at Old Trafford.
Records & Controversies
India set multiple records: most individual centuries, several 350+ innings in the series, and exceptional bench strength. Some critics slammed England’s lack of sportsmanship—offering handshakes mid-innings and gamesmanship during Jadeja’s milestone chase.
What This Means for the Series
India’s grit kept the series alive at 2‑1 ahead of the final Test at The Oval. Momentum favors India now, while England must reassess tactics and player fitness—especially their overburdened bowling attack.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Category | Stats & Details |
|---|---|
| England First Innings | 669 all out (Root 150, Stokes 141) |
| India First Innings | 358 all out (Pant 54, Jaiswal 58, Sudharsan 61) |
| India Second Innings | 425/4 — Gill, Jadeja, Sundar unbeaten tons |
| Test Result | Draw; India survives and keeps series alive |
| Series Score | England leads 2–1; final Test at The Oval on Aug ? |
