By: Tarunima Singh
NEW DELHI: India pulled off a remarkable draw in the fourth Test match against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Sunday — thanks to fighting centuries from Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shubman Gill in the second innings.
Resuming Day 5 on a cautious note, India were still trailing and under pressure with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill at the crease. Both batters, however, were dismissed in the morning session, putting the visitors in a fragile position early on.
But what followed was a display of sheer grit and determination. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar stitched together a marathon unbeaten partnership, frustrating the English bowling attack for the remainder of the day. Their composed knocks not only stabilized India but took them past the 400-run mark — a total of 425/4 — before both sides agreed to a draw late in the final session.
Shubman Gill had earlier laid the foundation with a classy century, but it was the resilience of Jadeja (who batted with incredible patience) and Sundar (who played arguably his most mature Test innings) that stood out on the final day.
With this result, the five-match Test series stands at 2-1 in England’s favour, heading into the fifth and final Test at The Oval later this week — setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
