IND vs ENG 4th Test: Character, resilience, grit, drama – The Old Trafford Test had it all

As we head into the final Test of what has already become an unforgettable series, it’s  important to pause and reflect on the remarkable cricket that has unfolded over the last  month. In an era where Test matches are often criticized for concluding within three to four  days, this series has been a rare gift to cricket lovers—each of the first four matches has  gone the full five-day distance. The tension, skill, and shifting momentum have captivated  fans and justified every minute of attention. It’s a series that has revived the true essence of  Test cricket. 

India, despite the setbacks, have had multiple moments of resilience, especially with the  bat. Their ability to claw back from pressure situations has been noteworthy. A standout  moment was when India found themselves reeling at 0-2 in their second innings, chasing a  massive deficit. It was then that Shubman Gill, India’s young captain, truly stamped his  authority. 

Gill’s knock in that scenario wasn’t just about runs, it was about leadership. With the series  on the line and the team under intense pressure, he displayed grit and composure to see  the team through a difficult period. While his tactical decisions may still be evolving,  understandably so for a new captain, his batting form and ability to lead from the front  have been commendable. In fact, pre-series concerns about whether he could balance  captaincy with form have been emphatically silenced. He hasn’t just answered the question,  he’s exceeded expectations. 

Not to forget, KL Rahul has been a colossus at the top of the order, consistently setting the  tone with authoritative strokeplay. Rishabh Pant has, as always, brought flair and  unpredictability, doing “Rishabh Pant things” that shift momentum dramatically. 

Sai Sudharsan’s inclusion at No. 3 was a strategic move that paid partial dividends. While  he missed out in the second innings, his presence seems a better long-term fit and deserves  continuity. The team would be wise to back him over multiple games rather than judge on  brief returns. 

Towards the lower middle order, the likes of Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja have  provided crucial stability. In tight situations where the match and the series were delicately  poised, they have stood up. Jadeja, especially, has been in exceptional form, making tangible  

differences in multiple matches. His recent performances underline his value as a true all rounder.

Despite these positives, India’s major area of concern remains their bowling lineup. I have  maintained from the start that India have been fielding the wrong combination. The  absence of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI throughout the series has been a baffling  decision, particularly given his form and ability to extract turn even in unhelpful  conditions. 

India’s decision to rely on fast-bowling all-rounders like Shardul Thakur and Anshul  Kamboj to deepen their batting has inadvertently diluted their bowling potency. This has  allowed England to score freely and eased pressure at critical moments. Kuldeep, arguably  the best spinner in the squad, would have added a different dimension, variation, control,  and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. 

There’s a growing concern that India’s strategy has been shaped more by a reaction to  England’s deep batting lineup rather than playing to their own strengths. By trying to  match England’s batting depth, India have compromised on their bowling firepower. The  upcoming fifth Test offers one final opportunity to correct this and bring Kuldeep into the  fold, even if it might be a case of “too little, too late.” 

On the other side, England were excellent in patches. Their opening pair finally clicked,  giving Zak Crawley a much-needed confidence boost. The real strength, however, lies in the  leadership and big-match temperament of Ben Stokes and Joe Root. 

Stokes, like Gill, has had a phenomenal series. His decision-making, intensity, and example setting performances have been critical in holding the team together. There are fitness  concerns going into the next game, but if fit, his presence will be invaluable. 

Root has been masterful with the bat, once again proving why he is among the modern  greats of Test cricket. His innings in the most recent game helped lay the foundation for  England’s total, and his ability to hold the innings together has been a consistent theme. 

A common thread between both sides is fatigue; especially among the bowlers. It is not  easy to play four five-day Tests on the trot. Workloads have caught up. Jasprit Bumrah,  India’s spearhead, looked tired and underwhelming, and other Indian and England bowlers  also seemed running out of gas. These signs of exhaustion will inevitably force both teams  into making changes ahead of the fifth Test.  

Heading into the final match at the Kennington Oval, all signs point to another tight contest.  The pitch has stayed flat throughout the domestic season and is not expected to deteriorate  drastically, which might again discourage India from playing a spinner. But conditions  shouldn’t override logic: if Kuldeep is among your five best bowlers, he must play.

Weather-wise, the forecast is generally clear, with no major disruptions expected. It sets  the stage for another thriller—a match that will likely swing back and forth before  producing a decisive outcome. 

This series has been a Test cricket spectacle: tactical, emotional, and dramatic. If the final  match mirrors even half the intensity and quality of the previous four, fans are in for a  fitting finale. India’s final hurdle? Picking the right XI. England’s? Staying fit and sharp.  Either way, the Oval promises to deliver.