India's Stunning Resistance Denies England at Old Trafford
Well, what a dramatic end to the fourth Test at Old Trafford! England came into the final day with high hopes of sealing the series, but India had other plans. The match was eventually drawn, and that means the series is still alive heading into the final Test at The Oval.
Let’s rewind a bit and unpack what happened. India started the final day four wickets down and still trailing England’s massive first innings score of 669. Now, most teams would have folded under that pressure—but not this Indian side. Led by their captain Shubman Gill, who notched up yet another century—his fourth of the series—they showed immense grit and determination.
Ben Stokes, despite clearly struggling with his body, gave it everything. After not bowling at all on day four due to what looked like shoulder and leg issues, he came roaring in on Sunday morning. And he got KL Rahul early with an absolute peach that stayed low and trapped him lbw on 90. At that point, England probably felt they were right back in control.
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But the big turning point? Joe Root dropping Ravindra Jadeja off the very first ball he faced. That moment might’ve cost England the match. Because after that, it was a marathon of resistance from Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Both went on to score unbeaten centuries—Jadeja finishing on 107* and Sundar with his maiden Test ton, 101*.
Their partnership of 203 runs was simply unbreakable. England tried everything. Jofra Archer bowled with pace, Woakes kept plugging away, Dawson offered spin, and even Root and Harry Brook were tossed the ball late on. But it all came to nothing.
There was a bit of comedy, too. With 10 overs left, England offered the draw, but India turned it down because Jadeja and Sundar were closing in on their milestones. So we got some deliberately “soft” bowling to let them reach their hundreds—and then the handshake was agreed.
This draw is only England’s second in 40 matches under Stokes, both coming at this very ground. So while they still lead the series 2-1, they’ll be ruing missed chances and wondering what might’ve been.
As for India, this was a huge statement. From being 0-2 early in their second innings to finishing on 425-4—what a turnaround! The stage is now perfectly set for a thrilling decider at The Oval. And with both sides carrying injuries and tired legs, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll come out on top. What a series this has been!
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