New Delhi: India pulled off a remarkable comeback to draw the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, after trailing by 311 runs in the first innings. The five-day match, marked by dramatic swings in momentum, saw India survive a potential innings defeat with resilient batting on the final two days.
After posting 358 runs in the first innings, India were put under immense pressure as England piled on 669 in response. The Indian second innings began in disastrous fashion, losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the very first over, leaving the team reeling at 0/2.
Faced with the prospect of an innings defeat and more than a day and a half of play remaining, KL Rahul (90) and captain Shubman Gill (103) stitched together a crucial 188-run stand for the third wicket, consuming 421 deliveries. However, both were dismissed before lunch on the final day.
The rescue act was then completed by Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, who batted through the rest of the match without losing their wickets. Sundar, playing as a specialist batsman in the absence of wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, scored an unbeaten 101, while Jadeja remained not out on 107. Their unbeaten 203-run partnership for the fifth wicket, built over 334 balls, ensured India closed the second innings at 425/4 and salvaged a draw.
The result keeps India’s hopes alive in the five-match series. England currently lead 2-1. The final Test will begin at The Oval in London on July 31. A win for India would level the series, while a loss would hand England a 3-1 victory.
