India’s hard work led to a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Shubman Gill, Jadeja, and Sundar contribute importantly as England don’t win, and the series is still not decided.
📍 A Test Match Full of Character
The gripping battle between India and England at Old Trafford, played from July 23 to 27, 2025, will go down as a memorable Test that highlighted true fighting spirit, skill and unity. Although the match finished in a draw, it felt like a victory for India, who fought back brilliantly from a near hopeless position to keep the series alive.
🔥 England Pile on the Runs Early
England took the first chance by winning the toss and decided to bat first. They made good use of the pitch, which was quite flat and slow, and ended up scoring a huge total of 669 runs. Ben Stokes took the team forward with a strong 141, and Joe Root stayed calm and steady throughout the innings as usual. This big total gave England a strong lead of 311 runs, putting India under huge pressure from the start.
😲 India Early Collapse but Gill Leads the Fightback
India’s first batting session went really poorly as both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, were out on zero runs in the very first over, both dismissed by Chris Woakes. The two players showed great patience and determination, both scoring unbeaten centuries 107* from Jadeja and 101* from Sundar to help India reach 425 for 4. With India reeling at 0 for 2, the situation looked very tough. At this important and challenging time, when both the responsibility of the team’s captain and the role of a batter came together, Shubman Gill stepped up and showed his true mettle by performing exceptionally well when it really counted. He fought hard for a 103, steadying the innings and helping close the huge gap. KL Rahul provided calm support with a composed 90, while Rishabh Pant added crucial runs under pressure to push India’s first innings to 358, giving them a foothold in the match.
🛡️ Jadeja and Sundar Script a Heroic Stand
On the final day, India needed one more big performance to deny England a win, and Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar delivered exactly that. The two players showed great patience and determination, both scoring unbeaten centuries 107* from Jadeja and 101* from Sundar to help India reach 425 for 4. With both players firmly settled and India safely in the game, the captains shook hands to close the match as a draw. What looked like a certain defeat turned into a memorable fightback that kept the series alive and showed the team’s resilience.
🌟 Standout Performances
Ben Stokes was rightly named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, scoring a vital 141 runs and taking six wickets that kept India under constant pressure. Gill’s rearguard century, Rahul’s solid knock, and Pant’s brave effort proved vital in the fightback, while the stand between Jadeja and Sundar ensured India stayed in the series.
✅ Conclusion
This draw showed India’s remarkable determination and mental toughness. From staring at a massive first innings deficit to producing one of their greatest rearguard performances, the team proved once again why Test cricket is all about grit and belief. Fans will remember this game for years as an example of how teamwork, patience and fighting spirit can turn a match around.
🔜 What’s Next
England still lead the series 2–1, but India’s never give up attitude has set up an exciting finale. The action now moves to The Oval, where the final Test will decide whether India can level the series or England can seal it. Cricket lovers around the world will be watching closely to see how it all unfolds.
👉 Who do you think will win the final Test at The Oval? Share your prediction in the comments below!