India’s resistance with the bat on the final day of the fourth Test culminated in a defiant draw, with centuries from Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja anchoring an innings that defied England’s ambitions at Old Trafford. Washington Sundar’s composed ton and a record-breaking partnership capped off a memorable fightback for the visitors.
The game reached its unspectacular yet significant end midway through the third session when England skipper Ben Stokes extended a handshake to Jadeja and Sundar. But the Indian duo, both nearing personal milestones, declined the gesture, choosing instead to bat on. Their decision was met with visible frustration from the English camp, who had already withdrawn their pacers in anticipation of the final Test at the Oval.
In the remaining overs, Jadeja and Washington showcased calm aggression, scoring 39 runs in five overs before both reached their centuries. Only then did they accept England’s offer for a draw. The partnership between the two, worth an unbeaten 203 runs, was India’s 10th century stand of the series — the second-most in a single series for the team after the 1978-79 West Indies tour.
The match, which had seemed to be slipping from India’s grasp after a 311-run deficit, saw a dramatic turnaround built on grit and discipline.
The day began under pressure, with India reeling after the loss of two quick wickets with no runs on the board. It was then that captain Shubman Gill took center stage, combining caution and class to weather the early storm. Partnered by K.L. Rahul, the duo compiled a crucial 188-run stand.
Despite nursing injury concerns, Stokes led from the front with the ball. His eight-over opening burst finally brought reward when he trapped Rahul leg-before with a ball that stayed low. The surface, unpredictable by then, demanded patience — something Gill had in abundance. Playing each ball on its merit, he reached his ninth Test hundred, also his fourth of the series.
In doing so, the 24-year-old etched his name into the history books as the first player to score four centuries in a debut series as Test captain, surpassing greats such as Bradman, Kohli, and Smith.
Though Jofra Archer managed to dismiss Gill shortly after his century, a dropped catch by Joe Root in the very next over allowed Jadeja to continue — a miss that would haunt England for the remainder of the day.
The Test may have ended without a victor, but for India, the resilience displayed under pressure stood as a statement. The series now moves to the Oval, finely poised and full of narratives.
