The fourth Test match between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 27, 2025, was a testament to the enduring drama of Test cricket. With England leading the five-match series 2-1, India faced a daunting challenge on the final day, needing to bat out 90 overs to secure a draw after being reduced to 0/2 in their second innings, trailing by 311 runs.
What unfolded was a masterclass in resilience, as India’s batsmen, led by captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, turned a potential defeat into a hard-fought draw, keeping the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series alive for a thrilling decider at The Oval.
The day began under overcast skies, with India in a precarious position. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan had fallen for ducks on Day 4, leaving India at 0/2. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, already at the crease, were tasked with not only saving the match but also restoring India’s pride. Their record-breaking partnership, followed by an equally defiant stand from Jadeja and Sundar, transformed the narrative, frustrating England’s bowlers and culminating in a draw that felt like a moral victory for India.
India’s Batting Heroics on Day 5
India’s batting on Day 5 was a display of grit, skill, and determination. Resuming at 174/2, with a deficit of 137 runs, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul continued their defiant stand from Day 4. Their third-wicket partnership, spanning 417 balls, added 174 runs and set a new record for the longest partnership by an Indian pair in England in the 21st century, surpassing the 405-ball stand by Rahul Dravid and Sanjay Bangar in 2002.
KL Rahul, blending caution with aggression, scored a fluent 90, including 8 boundaries, before falling LBW to Ben Stokes in the 71st over, just 10 runs short of a century. His dismissal, at 188/3, could have shifted momentum, but Gill ensured India remained steady.
Shubman Gill, leading from the front, reached his fourth century of the series in 238 balls, becoming the first Indian captain to achieve this feat in a single series in England. His 103, laced with 12 fours, was a blend of elegance and resilience, anchoring India’s fightback. However, Jofra Archer struck just before lunch in the 88th over, dismissing Gill caught behind by Jamie Smith, leaving India at 222/4, still trailing by 89 runs.
The stage was then set for Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who walked in with India under pressure. Ravindra Jadeja, dropped on his first ball by Joe Root, capitalized on the lifeline, while Sundar, promoted to No. 5, showed remarkable composure. Their 203-run fifth-wicket partnership was the cornerstone of India’s resistance, erasing England’s lead and taking India to a position of strength. Ravindra Jadeja reached his century in the 141st over with a six over long-on, his first of the series after four consecutive fifties.
Washington Sundar followed, scoring his maiden Test century in the 142nd over with a drive through covers, a moment that sparked jubilation in the Indian dressing room. Their partnership, lasting over five sessions, ensured India batted out 143 overs, finishing at 425/4.
The Handshake Controversy
As India neared safety, with the deficit erased and a lead established, England captain Ben Stokes offered a draw, signaling his team’s acceptance of the inevitable. However, Jadeja and Sundar, both in their 90s, chose to continue batting to reach their centuries, a decision that sparked tension.
Ben Stokes, visibly frustrated and hampered by a hamstring injury, resorted to sarcasm, bringing on part-time bowler Harry Brook in protest. Jadeja responded with characteristic flair, launching Brook for a six to complete his century. Sundar, equally determined, reached his milestone shortly after, ensuring both players etched their names in the record books.
The decision to delay the handshake drew criticism from England, with Stokes reportedly asking, “Do you want to score a hundred against Harry Brook?” Shubman Gill, however, defended his teammates at the post-match presentation, stating, “A Test hundred is a Test hundred at the end of the day. Washington’s first, and from the situation we were in, they deserved it.” The incident added a spicy subplot to an already enthralling contest, highlighting the competitive spirit of Test cricket where personal milestones and team pride intertwine.
England’s Bowling and the Missed Opportunity
England’s bowling attack, led by Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Chris Woakes, began Day 5 with high hopes of securing the six wickets needed to win the match and seal the series. Stokes, despite his hamstring concerns, bowled with intent, claiming the crucial wicket of KL Rahul in the 71st over. Archer complemented him, dismissing Gill with a delivery that nipped back in, giving England a glimmer of hope at 222/4 by lunch.
However, as the day progressed, the pitch flattened, offering little assistance to the bowlers. The occasional low bounce and skid were not enough to trouble Jadeja and Sundar, who batted with patience and precision. England’s frustration grew as their frontline bowlers failed to make further inroads. In a sign of desperation, Stokes introduced part-time bowlers Joe Root and Harry Brook, but this only highlighted India’s dominance. The Jadeja-Sundar partnership, spanning over 200 runs, neutralized England’s attack, leaving them unable to force a result.
England’s inability to capitalize on their early breakthroughs was a missed opportunity. Starting the day in a commanding position, they were outplayed by India’s resilience. By the time the players shook hands in the 142nd over, India had not only saved the match but also taken a lead, finishing at 425/4. Stokes, named ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round performance (141 runs and 6 wickets), was left to reflect on what could have been.
For England, leading 2-1, the draw was a missed chance to clinch the series. Their bowlers, despite early promise, were outlasted by India’s resolute batting. The handshake controversy added a layer of drama, but it was India’s day, as they turned a potential defeat into a moral victory. As both teams head to The Oval, the stage is set for a thrilling finale, with India aiming to level the series and England looking to seal their dominance. This match, particularly Day 5, will be remembered as a classic example of Test cricket’s enduring appeal, where resilience and determination can shift the tide in the most dramatic fashion.
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