The fourth Test of the India tour of England delivered a riveting climax at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, as India pulled off a dramatic and mentally charged draw to keep the five-match series alive. After collapsing in the first innings and trailing by a staggering 311 runs, India’s resolve under captain Shubman Gill turned an impending defeat into a statement of resilience.
🎯 First-Innings Collapse:
England’s mammoth first innings total of 669—perhaps the highest in the history of Old Trafford—was anchored by Joe Root and a dominant middle order. With scores of 465 and 373/5, India crumbled for 358, conceding a massive lead. Early wickets left India reeling and fans bracing for an inevitable defeat. The deficit could have stunned even the calmest team.
🧠 Gill, Rahul Stabilize Amid Chaos:
Resuming in their second innings with their backs against the wall, India found composure in their skipper. Shubman Gill’s gritty century (103) became a turning point. He stitched together a crucial 188-run partnership with KL Rahul (who scored around 90), showing masterful control against a potent England bowling lineup led by Jofra Archer. Gill’s century was his fourth of the series and his first as captain—placing him in elite company among Indian captains .
🔥 Sundar and Jadeja Spark a Miracle:
With England looking poised for victory, India’s lower order refused to yield. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja joined forces, each crafting remarkable unbeaten centuries. Their partnership drained England’s remaining energy:
Sundar finished with an unbeaten 57+
Jadeja remained not out on 53+
They collectively weathered 143 overs in the second innings, denying England further breakthroughs. Despite England’s attempts—English captain Ben Stokes even offered India a premature draw out of frustration—India pressed on, allowing Jadeja and Sundar to complete their centuries before consenting to the draw .
🤨 Stokes’ Gesture Backfires:
In the final hour, Ben Stokes offered a draw while Jadeja and Sundar were still approaching personal milestones. India rejected that offer, and the spurning prompted visible irritation from Stokes and other English players. Their conduct—seen taunting and sarcastic—drew sharp criticism from commentators like Harsha Bhogle and pundits globally, calling it unsporting and “shameless” .
💥 Psychological Edge Shift:
Although England still lead the series 2–1, India’s uncanny fightback in Manchester is widely seen as a psychological victory. Cricket insiders and former players praised India’s mental strength and capacity to perform under immense pressure. Many noted this draw may unsettle England’s confidence as the series heads to a decider at the Oval .
🏏 Shifting Series Focus:
India’s resurgence keeps the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy alive. Introduced in 2025 to replace the Pataudi Trophy, this series will crown the new trophy holder. With England having squandered a series win—and India demanding full participation from its lower order—the final Test promises high drama .
🩼 Injury and Selection Trivia:
Ahead of the fifth Test at The Oval, India ruled wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant out due to a foot fracture, confirmed in BCCI’s latest squad update. Coach Gautam Gambhir also stated Jasprit Bumrah—who had been managed carefully due to a back injury—is not ruled out for selection, pending fitness. Despite earlier injuries to Anshul Kamboj, Akash Deep, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, the bowling unit appears ready for the final Test push .
♟️ What Went Right for India:
Shubman Gill’s captaincy under pressure has drawn widespread acclaim—one century after another, including several across venues like Leeds, Edgbaston, and now Manchester .
The middle and lower order stood tall when it mattered most. KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja demonstrated game management and unyielding composure.
From a series that looked bleak after Manchester’s first innings, India engineered a rebirth—turning the match from salvage to symbolic triumph.
🚩 What Lies Ahead:
A decider at the Kennington Oval from 31 July to 4 August looms. India must win to level the series and reclaim the trophy, while England needs only one win to claim the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy outright. The tactical decisions, player fitness, and momentum swings make the final Test one of the most anticipated deciders in recent Test history .