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The England vs India 4th Test at Manchester produced an exhilarating contest that kept fans at the edge of their seats until the very end. After England piled up a formidable 669 in their first innings, the spotlight shifted to India’s batting resilience on Day 5. The match’s finale was marked by masterful centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar that denied England a victory and ensured a hard-fought draw. It was a classic display of grit and determination by the Indian batters, frustrating the English bowlers and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s twin centuries frustrate England
While Gill’s captaincy and ton stole the headlines, it was the remarkable efforts of Jadeja and Sundar that truly defied expectations. Coming into England’s daunting score of 669, the Indian batters were under immense pressure to bat out as much time as possible.
Jadeja’s second innings century stood out as a masterpiece, crafted off 185 balls with 13 boundaries and a six, accumulating 107 runs and ensuring India remained firmly in command. His calm demeanour at the crease and steady stroke play subdued the English attack, particularly England’s pace duo led by Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer. Equally impressive was Sundar, who scored a gritty 101 runs off 206 deliveries, blending patience and precision with nine fours and a six to frustrate the bowlers.
On Day 5, Jadeja and Sundar stitched a phenomenal partnership, weaving through overs with clinical finesse. They shared an unbroken stand, battling the new ball, short-pitched deliveries, and relentless England fielding. Their partnership embodied resilience, shifting momentum away from England and making a win seem impossible for the hosts.
Shubman Gill and Co.’s batting masterclass seals a hard-fought draw for India
India’s second innings journey was a narrative of persistence and collective fightback. After losing early wickets including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for naught, Gill rose to the occasion, anchoring the innings with a polished 103. His innings, filled with 12 fours, ensured stability and kept India afloat.
Despite England’s fierce bowling spells led by Ben Stokes and Archer, the Indian middle-order refused to crumble. KL Rahul’s valiant 90 runs also added to the resistance, but it was the lower middle-order’s heroics on Day 5 that saved the day for India. Jadeja’s 107* and Sundar’s 101* were instrumental in occupying the crease through a mammoth 143 overs for India’s second innings, finishing at 425/4.
England’s bowlers exhausted themselves trying to break the partnership, but Jadeja and Sundar denied any breakthrough. The match ended in an enthralling draw, with India showcasing exceptional temperament and skill under pressure.
Here’s how fans reacted:
I was really sad and disappointed yesterday, but KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar completely lifted my mood with their fantastic batting. It shows that while there may be some negatives in our team, the positives are definitely there too….✨
— Crictale_Yash (@JaisFanForever)
Shubman Gill is a Hero.
KL Rahul is a Hero.
Washington Sundar is a Hero.
Ravindra Jadeja is a Hero.INDIA HAS FOUGHT & DRAWN THE TEST MATCH AT MANCHESTER…!!! 🇮🇳
Jaddu is Rock 🔥 🇮🇳🇮🇳
— Shruti Pandey 🚩 (@Pandeyshruti252)
Witnessed Greatness by KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
Well played Team India
— mono (@mono_nft)
What a HISTORIC SAVE by Team INDIA at Old Trafford !!!
After being 0/2 in the 1st OVER, Team INDIA Battle On for 143 Overs with Majestic and Gritty HUNDREDS from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, and a 90 from KL Rahul, All under Immense Pressure
Take a BOW 🫡— Khush Wairagade (@Khush_Wairagade)
For the first time, three Indians have smashed a century in the second innings in Tests.
107* by Ravindra Jadeja
101* by Washington Sundar
103 by Shubman Gill— All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45)
🇮🇳 Sensational fightback by India to draw a gripping Test at Old Trafford ! Kudos to Shubman Gill's classy 104, Ravindra Jadeja's brilliant 100, Washington Sundar's stellar 100 and KL Rahul's gritty 90 for securing the draw!
— JahansherFirozeChoudhury (@Jahansher)
Don't forget the classy 90 runs made by KL Rahul under pressure, he and Shubman Gill gave us hope when we were 0-2, what a test match for Team India and congratulations to Captain, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for their century ♥️
— 𝐀 (@Aagneyax)
Staggering Bating Performance by . This DRAW is equal to WIN for us 🙏🙏
All hails to
KL Rahul 90 (230) 🙏
Shubman Gill 103 (238)🙏
Washington Sundar 101 (206)*🙏
Ravindra Jadeja 107 (185)* 🙏We are alive in this series. 🇮🇳💪
Again proved : TEST CRICKET IS THE BEST…— Amitabh Kalita (@KalitaAmitabh)
Stokes said "Credit to Jadeja & Sundar, the way they played in tough situation".
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
India after 1 over – 0/2.
India after 143 over – 425/4.
– One of the greatest ever batting efforts by India on Day 4 & 5 pitch. 🇮🇳
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
The great escape! Take a bow Team India 🙌🏻
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
KL Rahul Shubman Gill Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja 😄😄😄😄🇮🇳 👌
— Amit Prajapati (@amit21prajapati)
India batted more than five sessions to save the Manchester Test
Scorecard:
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Also WATCH: Shubman Gill struck by Ben Stokes’ brutal delivery on Day 5 of Manchester Test