India managed to draw the fourth Test at Old Trafford, thanks to remarkable innings by Ravindra Jadeja (107*), Washington Sundar (101*), and Shubman Gill (103). KL Rahul also came close to a century but fell short by 10 runs. With this draw, England’s hopes of sealing the Test series at Old Trafford were dashed. After four matches, England lead the series 2-1, but the fourth Test ended without a result, marking only the second draw under Ben Stokes' captaincy.

A Fightback from the Brink

India looked in deep trouble on the fourth morning, reaching lunch at 1 for 2 while still trailing England by more than 300 runs. They had already fielded for over 150 overs, and their energy seemed drained. However, Shubman Gill's leadership brought out a spirited fight. He shared a crucial 188-run partnership with KL Rahul, followed by an unbeaten 203-run stand between Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. These efforts not only saved the Test but frustrated England's bowlers.

India Can’t Win the Trophy But Keep Hopes Alive

Though India can no longer win the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the team will travel to London for the final Test feeling confident. They turned the tide with their gritty batting, forcing England to stay in the field for 257.1 overs across both innings — 143 of those in the second innings alone. With just a three-day gap before the fifth Test, England’s bowlers now face a tough physical and mental challenge.

A Bizarre Finish to a Hard-Fought Game

As the final hour began, Stokes offered a draw. However, Gill was in no mood to accept it early. He chose to let Washington and Jadeja complete their centuries. England grew frustrated, responding with harmless, lobbed deliveries, but India celebrated from the dressing room balcony.

Ben Duckett had confidently told teammates earlier, “It’s going to happen in a flurry, lads.” But the win never came. No captain has ever won a Test at Old Trafford after choosing to bowl first — and Stokes couldn’t break that pattern either.

Shubman Gill Shines Bright

Gill faced a hat-trick ball in the first over of the second innings but lasted over 24 hours at the crease. He became only the third Test captain to score four centuries in a series and passed the 700-run mark on this tour. Remarkably, every time he crossed 20, he turned it into a century.

Washington and Jadeja Deliver in Style

Washington Sundar, who batted at No. 8 in the first innings, stepped up at No. 5 in the second after Rishabh Pant’s injury. He scored his maiden Test century. Jadeja, continuing his strong series, also reached three figures. While their extended batting may have irritated England, both players earned the right to celebrate.

Stokes Pushes Through the Pain

Ben Stokes’ fitness was under doubt before the final day. He hadn’t bowled on day four after suffering during both his century and the first innings. Yet, he started the day sharing the old ball with Liam Dawson. In his eight-over spell, he created two chances — one dropped by Ollie Pope — and eventually got Rahul lbw for 90.

Despite pain and visible discomfort, Stokes bowled with pace and troubled the Indian batters. He even struck Gill on the helmet with a rising delivery. But Gill responded with confidence, hitting Chris Woakes for runs and celebrating his fourth ton of the tour.

England’s Bowlers Left Powerless

After Gill’s dismissal to Jofra Archer and Jadeja’s edge off his first ball — which Root dropped — England failed to create further opportunities. Liam Dawson bowled 47 overs in the second innings but rarely looked threatening. Archer argued with Stokes over field placements, Woakes tried bowling into the rough, and Brydon Carse was barely used. Stokes, battling physical limitations, bowled just three overs after lunch.

Late Drama as India Controlled the Final Hour

As the game drifted, Stokes again offered a draw with Jadeja on 89 and Washington on 80. But India declined. Brook was brought on and bowled poor deliveries, allowing both batters to complete their centuries. Jadeja celebrated with a straight six, while Washington calmly raised his arms after a two.

Brief Scorecard