On July 27, 2025, Ravindra Jadeja delivered a masterclass in resilience, scoring an unbeaten 107 off 185 balls to guide India to a thrilling draw against England in the 4th Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. His fifth Test century, coupled with Washington Sundar’s maiden ton of 101 not out, formed an unbroken 203-run partnership that not only saved the match but also kept India’s hopes alive in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, trailing 2-1 in the five-match series.
The match had been a grueling affair for India. After England posted a formidable first innings, India found themselves at 1 for 2 at lunch on Day 4, still trailing by over 300 runs. Captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul steadied the ship with a 188-run partnership, with Gill scoring his fourth century of the series (103) and Rahul contributing a gritty 90. However, when both fell on Day 5, with India still behind, the pressure was on Jadeja, batting at number six, to anchor the innings.
Ravindra Jadeja’s magnificent ton
Ravindra Jadeja’s innings was a blend of caution and aggression. He reached his half-century off 87 balls and accelerated towards his century, finishing with 13 boundaries and a towering six off Harry Brook to reach the milestone in 182 deliveries. This century was particularly significant, marking Ravindra Jadeja as the only Indian to score two Test centuries in England at number six or below, following his 104 at Edgbaston in 2022. His 454 runs in eight innings in the series underscored his value as a leading run-getter.
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Washington Sundar complemented Ravindea Jadeja perfectly, scoring his first Test century off 206 balls with nine fours and a six. Their partnership, spanning 334 balls, ground down England’s bowling attack, which bowled 257.1 overs in the match, including 143 in India’s second innings. England’s bowlers, led by Ben Stokes, faced a three-day turnaround before the final Test, adding to their fatigue.
The match’s final hour was steeped in drama. With 15 overs remaining, Stokes, battling physical discomfort, offered a draw to Gill. However, with Ravindra Jadeja on 89 and Washington Sundar on 80, India opted to continue, prioritizing their centuries. This decision sparked verbal exchanges, with Stokes sarcastically asking Ravindra Jadeja if he wanted to score a hundred against Brook. Jadeja, unfazed, responded, “I can’t do anything,” before smashing a six off Brook to reach his ton. A viral video later suggested Stokes refused a post-match handshake with Jadeja and Sundar, but a subsequent clip clarified that he shook hands with both immediately after Sundar’s century, and the teams agreed to the draw.
Stokes later defended his strategy, noting he rested front-line bowlers to avoid injuries with victory unlikely, praising Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s “very, very good” partnership. Gill, reflecting on the draw, said it felt like a win given India’s dire situation. He lauded the team’s ball-by-ball approach on a challenging Day 5 pitch, emphasizing Jadeja and Sundar’s composure.
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