India produced a defiant second-innings effort to draw the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, overturning a daunting 311-run deficit after being reduced to 0 for 2. The result leaves England 2-1 ahead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with the final Test at The Oval now set up as the decider.
Early losses of Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan, both for ducks, put India under immediate pressure. But captain Shubman Gill rose to the occasion with his fourth century of the series, forging a 417-ball partnership with KL Rahul, who contributed a solid 90. The pair’s resilience blunted England’s attack and formed the backbone of India’s resistance.
Following their dismissals, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar ensured the fight continued on Day 5. With England’s bowlers visibly fatigued late in the day, Ben Stokes offered the traditional handshake to call off the game. But Jadeja, on 89*, and Sundar, on 80*, opted to carry on.
The decision wasn’t about defiance; it was about finishing what they had started on their own terms. Milestones mattered, and so did sending a message. India wanted to wear down England's bowlers ahead of the short turnaround to the final Test. In the end, both all-rounders brought up their centuries, adding a layer of dominance to India’s escape.
Despite the stalemate, Stokes was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance—scoring 141 runs and taking six wickets across both innings.
