Gill, Washington, and Jadeja's Hundreds Rescue India from Defeat
Gill, Washington, and Jadeja's Hundreds Rescue India from Defeat
India vs England 4th Test: Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar's unbeaten centuries secured a crucial draw for India against England at Old Trafford, keeping the series alive at 2-1. A 203-run partnership between Jadeja and Washington helps India force a Test Draw.
The fifth Test of a heated series is taking place at The Oval. Where England entered the match with a 2-1 lead after 20 tough days, but India's determined batting stopped them from winning the series. Over five sessions, India only lost two wickets, resulting in a draw the second one during Ben Stokes’ time as captain. Even though Stokes was dealing with a cramp and a shoulder problem, he couldn't change the outcome.
India looked in trouble on day four, reeling at 1 for 2 and still behind by more than 300 runs. But Shubman Gill and KL Rahul stitched together a superb 188-run stand, followed by an unbeaten 203-run partnership between Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. These efforts helped India pull off a remarkable draw.
Although India can’t win the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, they head to London with renewed confidence. Their batting not only saved the match but also exhausted England's bowlers, who fielded for over 257 overs during the game 143 of those in the second innings and now face a short three-day break before the final Test.
The match ended oddly. Stokes offered a draw in the final hour, but Gill turned it down, letting Jadeja and Washington complete their centuries. England were frustrated and started bowling slow, friendly deliveries, but the Indian dressing room was in celebration mode.
Stokes had hoped history could be rewritten, as no captain had ever won a Test at Old Trafford after choosing to bowl first but that didn’t change this time. Gill had come in to face a hat-trick ball during India’s second innings and left as one of only three captains to score four hundreds in a Test series, crossing 700 runs in the tour.
Washington, usually a lower-order batter, was promoted to No. 5 after Pant’s injury and made his first Test century. Jadeja continued his excellent run with the bat as well. Both were fully deserving of their milestones.
Stokes tried to shake things up with the ball early on day five, despite being in pain. He bowled fast and with bounce, creating a few chances, including one where Gill was dropped. Stokes managed to trap Rahul lbw, ending a strong knock of 90, and even rattled Gill with a ball that hit his helmet. But Gill stood firm, reaching his century with flair before edging one to the keeper off Archer.
Even with that dismissal, England couldn’t capitalise. Jadeja was dropped first ball and after that, chances dried up. Dawson bowled 47 overs without much threat, seamers struggled for control, and tension built as Archer disagreed with his captain over field settings. Brydon Carse barely got involved, and Stokes could bowl only three more overs.
With Jadeja on 89 and Washington on 80, Stokes offered a draw again but Gill wasn’t interested. Eventually, both batters reached their centuries against part-time bowling. Jadeja celebrated with a six; Washington calmly raised his arms after a two.
It was a strange end to what had been a gripping game. Just 24 wickets fell in five days, and while the finish lacked drama, India's strong resistance meant they head to The Oval with belief that they can level the series.