India Stuns England with Remarkable Draw in Fourth Test at Old Trafford

In a thrilling conclusion to the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India managed to secure a remarkable draw against England, showcasing incredible resilience. After facing a daunting target and losing key wickets, the Indian team rallied with outstanding performances from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who formed a crucial partnership. England's captain Ben Stokes faced criticism for his attempts to negotiate a draw, leading to a wave of reactions from fans. This match not only highlighted India's fighting spirit but also raised questions about England's 'Bazball' approach. Discover the full story behind this dramatic encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2025, 23:25 IST

Dramatic Conclusion at Old Trafford

On Sunday, July 27, England was unable to clinch victory in the fourth Test match as India managed to secure a remarkable draw at Old Trafford, Manchester. The Indian team was at 425/4 in the last session when both teams opted to shake hands, concluding the match.

After England established a commanding lead of 311 runs in their first innings, India found themselves in a precarious position. With over five sessions left, the visitors needed a remarkable performance to stave off defeat. Their situation worsened when Chris Woakes dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the opening over.

Despite these setbacks, India showcased incredible resilience, losing only two wickets over 142 overs to achieve the draw. On the final day, India faced further challenges after losing established batsmen Shubman Gill and KL Rahul early in the session. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar formed an unbeaten partnership of 203 runs, rescuing the team. Gill, Jadeja, and Sundar each scored centuries, while Rahul contributed with 90 runs.

Criticism of England's 'Bazball' Strategy

In light of India's impressive performance, England's much-discussed 'Bazball' strategy has come under scrutiny from fans. The England team, particularly captain Ben Stokes, is facing backlash not just for failing to secure a win but also for their conduct during the match.

Stokes attempted to persuade Jadeja and Sundar to agree to a draw, but they declined, as both were nearing significant milestones in their innings. They ultimately completed their centuries before opting to shake hands.

Fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the behavior of the England players at the match's conclusion. Here are some notable reactions: