India Stuns England with Remarkable Draw in Fourth Test at Old Trafford
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:
England doesn’t play for Draw in Bazball and yet their Captain begged for it, oh I love it.
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) July 27, 2025
Cry more Bazball . They were on knees for Draw
. #INDvsENGTest
pic.twitter.com/Q8isSfOpRj— kirat.13_ (@kirat8513) July 27, 2025
Stokes to Jadeja: “You want to get a test hundred against Harry Brook?” With a loft down the ground for six, Jadeja does exactly that to register his 5th test century #ENGvIND
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) July 27, 2025
India missed a chance to do the funniest thing mahn!! They should’ve kept England there for that 10 overs!#ENGvsIND
— Lawrence Bailey
(@LawrenceBailey0) July 27, 2025
Yes, @benstokes38 is a great player but a sore loser! Why should Indian batsmen accept a draw when they are just short of milestone tons? Would England have not batted on in a similar situation? Sorry Mr Stokes, this isn’t an Indian team that will bend so easily! The Raj is long…
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 27, 2025
You’re going to get a Test hundred against Harry Brook?” asks Stokes to Jadeja.
Brother you literally won a WC on boundary count.— Kasi mama (@Kasi_mama_) July 27, 2025
A desperate handshake. Not the cover image Bazball and its evangelists would like. India pissing on their request – pure entertainment!
pic.twitter.com/yesXLLYwcI
— Lavanya
(@lav_narayanan) July 27, 2025
India made England chase 600+ under BazBall era and made them crumble
India forced England accept draw under BazBall era and frustrated them
Two major humiliations to BazBall
Next draw the series guys— Aditya Jakki (@adityajakki) July 27, 2025
Bazball Then – Hates draws . No need to even entertain playing for a draw .
Today – We are tired Jaddu, let’s settle for a drawWell done boys
. Handed moral defeat to Bazball jokers !!! pic.twitter.com/WcOwUpvHp3
— Goutham (@thisis_Goutham_) July 27, 2025
