The thrilling India vs England Test series is going to the wire at The Oval as India, against expectations, rescued a draw in the 4th Test at Old Trafford. With England ahead of the five-match series 2-1, the fourth match witnessed Herculean resistance from India’s batsmen, keeping the series alive.
India were in serious trouble at 1 for 2 at lunch on Day 4, having lost over 150 overs and remaining in arrears by more than 300 runs. But from there on, the IND vs ENG Test witnessed a dramatic turn as India staged an amazing comeback, losing only two wickets in five sessions of batting.
Gill and Rahul Set the Foundation
Shubman Gill, carrying on his dream series as captain, led by example yet again. Given a hat-trick ball when he came in, he completed an epic 188-run partnership with KL Rahul. Gill achieved his fourth century of the series, joining a rare Test captain’s club, and went past the 700-run mark for the tour. Each time he crossed 20, he turned it into a hundred—refined quality.
KL Rahul also played the ideal foil, scoring 90 by hard work before being caught LBW by Ben Stokes in a fiery spell.
Jadeja and Washington’s Record Stand Seals the Draw
Following the dismissal of Gill for 109 and Rahul’s previous departure, it was Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, the all-round pair, who asserted themselves. They played out the rest of the match with an unbroken 203-run stand, blunted the English attack, and closed all hopes for an eventual English victory.
Washington, who was elevated to No. 5 from Rishabh Pant’s injury, made his first Test century, while Jadeja finished yet another hundred in an impressive series batting.
England’s Bowlers Struggle on a Flat Pitch
Ben Stokes, even with a shoulder injury and cramping, bowled a searing 8-over spell at the beginning of Day 5. He got Rahul out and almost got Gill, who was spilled by Ollie Pope. His shoulder issues, however, restricted him to only 3 overs post-lunch.
Frustration Mounts as England Fail to Cash In
With the pitch not giving much and Indian batsmen being stubborn, England’s bowling was toothless. Liam Dawson bowled 47 overs in the innings with control but not much threat. Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, and Brydon Carse were unable to get breakthroughs. A dropped catch by Joe Root of Jadeja’s first ball added to the growing frustration.
Tempers were frayed when Gill turned down Stokes’ draw invitation within the last hour, opting to let Jadeja and Washington both get their tons, leaving England to bowl soft lobs in frustration. The match ended strangely, but India’s batsmen had made their point.
Old Trafford Curse Continues for England
It’s now a well-known stat: no Test has ever been won by a captain at Old Trafford after deciding to bowl first. Ben Stokes attempted to buck that trend, but India’s determined resistance ensured that it continued.
Series Set for High-Stakes Finale at The Oval
As the series stands at 2-1 in favor of England, the last and fifth IND vs ENG Test at The Oval is set to provide an exhilarating conclusion. India, though battered and bruised, has the momentum after clinging to life in a near-impossible situation in Manchester.
Their bowlers wear down England with 257.1 overs in the field, of which 143 came in the second innings alone—a stern test of bodies and minds. Now, on a three-day turnaround, both sides have little time to shake off the lag before the decider.
Important Highlights: India vs England 4th Test
Outcome: Match drawn
Series situation: England ahead 2-1
Player of the Match: Ben Stokes
Most overs bowled by: Liam Dawson – 47 overs in the 2nd innings
Total overs in India’s 2nd innings: 143
India’s Stable Sets Up Epic IND vs ENG Finale
The India-England Test series has witnessed dramatic fluctuations, legend-making individual performances, and moments of play to remember. The Manchester Test was a masterclass in gritty Test match batting, and it is the ideal precursor to a blockbuster series decider.
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