India Stages Epic Comeback to Secure Draw Against England in Thrilling Test Match

A Remarkable Fightback in Manchester

Manchester: In a gripping encounter, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja showcased remarkable resilience, batting for over two sessions to rescue India from a potential defeat and secure a memorable draw on Sunday. This result keeps the fiercely contested series alive as it heads towards the final match at The Oval.

After conceding a hefty 311-run lead and losing their openers without scoring in the second innings, India demonstrated unwavering determination. Key contributions came from captain Shubman Gill (103 runs off 238 balls), K L Rahul (90 runs off 230 balls), Jadeja (107 not out off 185 balls), and Washington (101 not out off 206 balls).

With England's inspirational captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer dismissing a well-set Gill and Rahul early in the day, England appeared poised for a series-clinching victory. However, Jadeja and Washington dug in, skillfully accumulating runs as the day progressed.

As the final hour approached, Stokes expressed his eagerness to conclude the match, but India opted to continue batting, with Washington and Jadeja nearing their centuries. Stokes was visibly frustrated by this decision.

Harry Brook began to offer easier deliveries to Jadeja and Washington, signaling his disapproval of India's choice to persist. The players eventually shook hands after both Jadeja and Washington reached their milestones, with Washington celebrating his first Test century.

The pitch on the fifth day showed little hostility, with some movement and variable bounce evident during the morning session when Gill and Rahul were dismissed after a solid 188-run partnership.

The determined resistance from the two Indian left-handers in the latter part of the day echoed the famous match-saving partnership between R Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari during the Sydney Test in 2021.

Rishabh Pant, nursing a broken foot, was available to bat in the second innings but did not take the risk of aggravating his injury.

Notably, this marked only England's second draw in 40 Tests played during the Bazball era, the last one occurring at Old Trafford during the 2023 Ashes, primarily due to weather conditions.

The pitch had been relatively dry throughout the domestic season, resulting in four draws from as many matches.

With both teams struggling to maintain the fitness of their fast bowlers in this lengthy series, it will be intriguing to see how many first-choice pacers participate in the fifth Test starting in London on July 31.

At tea, India stood at 322 for four after accumulating 99 runs in a wicketless afternoon session.

Stokes, who had been effective in his eight-over spell in the morning, could not maintain his intensity during the three overs he bowled in the second session.

In a 15-run over from Stokes, Washington struck the England captain for a six and a four to reach his fifty, while Jadeja used the cut shot to notch his fifth half-century in six innings.

England faced challenges as left-arm spinner Liam Dawson struggled to trouble the Indian left-handers, and Archer was unable to secure a breakthrough after lunch. Dawson failed to exploit the rough created outside the left-hander's off-stump.

In the morning session, Gill completed a gritty century after Stokes, despite battling pain, dismissed a well-set K L Rahul, leaving India at 223 for four at lunch.

Starting the day at 174 for two with a 137-run deficit, India remained on track for a draw thanks to Gill's fighting spirit, who achieved his fourth century of the series. The Indian captain fell just before lunch, with India still trailing England by 88 runs.

Given the pressure of the match situation and the series at stake, this could be Gill's most significant century if India manages to save the match.

Anticipating the ball to swing back in, Gill edged one from Jofra Archer that moved away, resulting in a faint outside edge.

The marathon 188-run partnership between Gill and Rahul (90 off 230) was finally broken when Rahul was trapped in front by Stokes with a delivery that kept a bit low.

Shortly after, Stokes delivered a sharply rising ball from a similar length that deceived Rahul, leaving the Indian skipper in considerable discomfort.

The rising delivery struck Gill's right thumb before hitting his helmet.

It was impressive that Stokes, who had been unfit to bowl on day four, managed an eight-over spell on day five despite discomfort in his right shoulder and hamstring. Like at Lord's, he was willing to push through his injuries for the team's benefit.

The new ball was taken after the 80th over, resulting in Gill's wicket. Jadeja was nearly dismissed on his first ball, but Joe Root could not hold onto a challenging catch at first slip off Archer.