India vs England 4th Test: A Manchester Masterpiece! How Gill, Jadeja, and Sundar Scripted an Unforgettable Draw

The cricketing world was abuzz with anticipation and excitement as the 4th Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, unfolded. This pivotal encounter in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 became a global talking point, dominating social media conversations on “X” and soaring to the top of Google search trends. The intense public interest was a direct reflection of the high stakes involved in the series and the captivating drama that unfolded over five days. It was more than just a game; it was a narrative of resilience, records, and riveting cricket that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

The Buzz Around Old Trafford: Why Everyone’s Talking

Heading into the Manchester Test, the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was finely poised, with England holding a crucial 2-1 lead. England had secured victories in the opening Test at Headingley and a nail-biting win at Lord’s, while India had levelled the series with a strong performance at Edgbaston. For Shubman Gill’s India, the 4th Test, held at the iconic Old Trafford from July 23 to July 27, 2025, was nothing short of a do-or-die encounter, a chance to keep the series alive and force a decider.

While some initial reports might have indicated the match was still in its early stages, it is important to clarify that the match concluded on July 27, 2025, after a full five days of play. The most recent and consistent information from multiple reliable sources confirms the match ended in a draw. This situation, where preliminary information can sometimes be superseded by later, comprehensive updates, underscores the dynamic nature of live sports reporting and the importance of verifying the latest details for trending topics.

The Old Trafford Saga: A Match of Twists and Turns

Old Trafford, Manchester, has historically proven to be a formidable challenge for the Indian Test team. In their nine previous Test encounters at this iconic venue, India had failed to secure a single victory, recording five draws and four losses. This historical backdrop added a layer of psychological pressure on Shubman Gill’s squad, who were eager to break this long-standing pattern and rewrite history. The ability to secure a draw from such a dire position at a venue where they have historically struggled is a significant achievement, hinting at a strong mental game and improved performance under immense pressure, defying past patterns.

After winning the toss, England elected to bowl. However, their batting lineup soon turned the tables, posting a colossal 669 runs in their first innings – a record-breaking total for a Test match at Old Trafford. This monumental effort was largely propelled by an extraordinary individual performance from captain Ben Stokes, who scored a sensational 141 runs. Significant contributions also came from Zak Crawley (84), Ben Duckett (94), Ollie Pope (71), and Joe Root, who scored a magnificent 150 runs and, in the process, became the second-highest run-scorer in Test history.

Ben Stokes’ all-round display, which also included a crucial five-wicket haul (5/72) in India’s first innings, earned him the Player of the Match award. His remarkable performance also saw him join an exclusive club of legendary all-rounders (Garfield Sobers, Ian Botham, Jacques Kallis) as only the fourth cricketer in men’s Test history to score 10 or more centuries and take at least five five-wicket hauls. However, a notable aspect of the match was Stokes’ decision not to bowl on Day 4, despite his all-rounder status and the match situation.

This decision was likely influenced by visible discomfort, medical advice, and the strategic need to manage his workload with the crucial Ashes tour to Australia looming. This highlights a complex balance between immediate match impact and long-term player welfare, where the physical strain on a key player and the need to preserve him for future crucial series can lead to strategic choices that influence the immediate outcome.

In response to England’s formidable total, India managed 358 runs in their first innings. This meant they conceded a massive 311-run lead to England, placing them in an extremely precarious position and seemingly on the brink of a series defeat. The deficit highlighted the uphill battle India faced to salvage the match.

The match took a dramatic and almost disastrous turn at the very beginning of India’s second innings. Facing a daunting 311-run deficit, India suffered a nightmare start, losing both their openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, for ducks in the very first over. This left India reeling at 0/2, a scoreline that intensified the pressure to an almost unbearable level and made the prospect of saving the Test seem virtually impossible.

Adding to the context, the weather during the match days (July 23-27, 2025) in Manchester was generally favourable, with warm temperatures and mostly clear skies, allowing for uninterrupted play. This ensured the match outcome was determined by cricketing skill and strategic decisions, rather than external factors like rain, which often influence Test matches in England.

India’s Unyielding Spirit: Batting Heroes Emerge

From the brink of collapse, India displayed an unyielding spirit, with several batting heroes stepping up to script one of their most memorable draws.

Shubman Gill: The Captain’s Century and Record-Breaking Feats

Stepping in at a perilous 0/2 in India’s second innings, Captain Shubman Gill displayed immense composure and leadership, playing a pivotal role in stabilising the innings. He forged a crucial 188-run partnership with KL Rahul, absorbing pressure and laying the foundation for India’s fightback. Gill went on to score his ninth Test century, a magnificent 103 runs, marking his fourth century of the series – a truly remarkable feat.

This century cemented his name in the record books, showcasing his burgeoning talent and leadership. He became the first-ever player to score four centuries in his debut Test series as captain, a milestone even legends like Virat Kohli couldn’t achieve. He now holds the record for most centuries by an Indian captain in a Test series played away from home, surpassing big names like Kohli, Tendulkar, and Dravid in that list. Furthermore, by surpassing Virat Kohli’s iconic 692-run tally from the 2014-15 Australia tour, Gill became the highest run-getter by an Indian batter on a single SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) tour, accumulating a remarkable 697 runs in the ongoing series.

He also etched his name as the first Asian batter to score 650 or more runs in a Test series in England. His performance under extreme pressure, especially after the 0/2 start and as a new captain, demonstrates remarkable mental fortitude and leadership by example, inspiring the team. As former cricketer Gautam Gambhir noted, “As captain, he’s got a burden of pressure”, making his performance even more commendable given the added responsibility. Currently, Gill stands at 722 runs for the series, just 10 runs shy of Sunil Gavaskar’s all-time highest runs scored by an Indian player in a single Test series (732 runs against West Indies in 1978-79). This record is now firmly in his sights for the final Test at The Oval.

KL Rahul: The Consistent Anchor

KL Rahul provided invaluable support to Captain Gill, forming a resilient 188-run partnership that was instrumental in absorbing England’s pressure across two crucial sessions on Day 4. Rahul played a composed innings, scoring a solid 90 runs before being dismissed by Ben Stokes. His ability to bat for time and negate the English attack was vital.

Rahul also achieved significant personal milestones in this series, highlighting his consistency in challenging conditions. He completed 1000 Test runs in England, joining an exclusive club as only the fifth Indian batter to achieve this feat, alongside legendary names such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli. In a remarkable historical achievement, Rahul became the first Indian opener in 46 years to score over 500 runs in an away Test series, a testament to his prolific contributions this summer.

His consistent performance, especially as an opener in challenging English conditions, marks him as a reliable and crucial pillar of India’s batting lineup, a significant turnaround from past inconsistencies. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer for India in the series with 511 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja & Washington Sundar: The Unlikely Century Makers

After the dismissals of Gill and Rahul, the onus fell on the all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who stepped up to script an unprecedented and memorable draw for India. They forged a remarkable and match-saving double-century partnership of 203 runs for the fifth wicket, batting England out of the contest with sheer defiance.

Both players completed well-deserved centuries, showcasing their incredible resolve. Ravindra Jadeja scored his fifth Test hundred, finishing on a magnificent 107 not out. In doing so, he became the first Indian in 23 years to score over 400 runs in a single Test series while batting at No. 6 or lower, a record previously held by VVS Laxman in 2002. Washington Sundar achieved his maiden Test century, scoring a brilliant 101 not out. His hundred was India’s 11th individual century in the series, a feat that equalled a 46-year-old record set by India against West Indies in 1978-79, highlighting the team’s collective batting prowess.

In a moment that sparked significant discussion and added a unique twist to the match, England captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to signal a mutual draw, with India well past saving the Test. However, Jadeja and Sundar, both nearing their personal milestones, famously declined the offer, choosing instead to bat on for their centuries. India’s captain Shubman Gill later defended their decision, stating that “a Test hundred is a Test hundred” and that both batters deserved to reach their milestones.

Stokes, visibly frustrated, even asked sarcastically if they “wanted to score a hundred against Harry Brook”, adding to the drama. This act, while sparking discussion, showcases a team that is not only resilient enough to save a match from a dire situation (0/2, 311-run deficit) but also confident enough to push for individual glory even when the primary objective (draw) is met. This reflects strong team morale and the leadership’s support for individual excellence, turning a potentially controversial moment into a statement of intent.

The collective performance of Gill, Rahul, Jadeja, and Sundar, especially their ability to recover from a top-order collapse, signifies a remarkable evolution in India’s Test batting. It suggests a newfound depth and resilience throughout the lineup, capable of absorbing immense pressure and building partnerships even in challenging overseas conditions. The record of 11 individual centuries in the series (equaling a 46-year-old record) and seven totals over 350 (breaking Australia’s previous best of six) are strong indicators of this systemic improvement, moving beyond reliance on a few star players.

Here is a snapshot of India’s second innings in the 4th Test:

India’s 4th Test 2nd Innings Scorecard Snapshot

The scorecard visually emphasises the dramatic turnaround from 0/2 by showcasing the significant contributions of Gill, Rahul, Jadeja, and Sundar, providing a quick, digestible overview of the key batting performances that led to the draw.

Shubman Gill’s performance in this series has been nothing short of phenomenal, breaking multiple records and solidifying his position as a key player and leader for India.

Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking Series

This table consolidates Gill’s multiple, disparate records, showcasing the sheer scale of his achievement in this series and immediately highlighting the historical significance and elite company he has joined or surpassed.

England’s Fight: Stokes’ All-Round Brilliance

Despite India’s remarkable fightback, England’s performance, particularly that of their captain Ben Stokes, was a significant factor in shaping the match. Stokes’ exceptional individual performance (141 runs with the bat and 5/72 with the ball) earned him the Player of the Match award. His achievement of joining an exclusive club of legendary all-rounders (Garfield Sobers, Ian Botham, Jacques Kallis) as only the fourth cricketer in men’s Test history to score 10 or more centuries and take at least five five-wicket hauls, places his performance in a historical context of greatness.

However, the strategic decision for Stokes not to bowl on Day 4, despite his all-rounder status and the match situation, was a point of discussion. This was likely due to visible discomfort, medical advice, and the strategic need to manage his workload with the crucial Ashes tour to Australia looming. This choice, while aiming to preserve key assets for future crucial matches, potentially eased the pressure on India’s batters, indirectly contributing to the draw. This showcases the complexities of modern cricket management in a packed schedule, where long-term player fitness might be prioritised over an immediate, high-stakes bowling effort.

The Series Decider and WTC Implications

The draw in the 4th Test leaves the series finely poised, with England leading 2-1. This sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion in the final and deciding 5th Test at The Oval, London, scheduled from July 31 to August 4, 2025. India will be looking to level the series, promising a high-stakes encounter.

The draw also had implications for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. Both India and England earned four points for the draw. India currently sits in 4th place with 16 points, while England dropped to 3rd with 26 points. A crucial detail here is England’s two-point penalty for a slow over-rate at Lord’s, which contributed to their drop in ranking despite leading the series. This highlights that WTC standings are not solely determined by match results but also by disciplinary actions like over-rate penalties, adding a layer of strategic consideration for teams beyond just winning matches. Australia currently leads the WTC standings.

ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Standings (After 4th Test)

This table visually shows the immediate effect of the 4th Test draw on both teams’ WTC standings and highlights the impact of England’s slow over-rate penalty, drawing attention to the nuances of WTC points.

Beyond the Boundary: Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

India’s remarkable comeback from 0/2 in their second innings and overturning a 311-run deficit to secure a draw is a testament to their fighting spirit and newfound batting depth. The collective effort, particularly from the lower middle-order, was exceptional. The series has seen India achieve a record of 11 individual centuries (equaling a 1978-79 record) and produce 7 totals of 350+ (breaking Australia’s previous record), showcasing a significant improvement in their batting unit’s resilience and capability in challenging overseas conditions.

For England, despite leading the series, their inability to close out the 4th Test despite a massive first-innings lead and India being 0/2 might raise questions about their bowling depth or killer instinct, especially given Stokes’ bowling limitations. For India, despite the morale-boosting draw, they still need to find a way to secure a victory against England in England, particularly after being 2-1 down. Their bowling, despite some strong individual performances, might need to find more consistency to restrict opposition totals and convert strong positions into wins.

The stage is now set for a classic decider at The Oval, promising a thrilling conclusion to what has already been a series filled with drama and remarkable performances.

Catch the Action: Where to Watch the Final Test

For fans eager to catch the thrilling conclusion of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the 5th Test promises to be unmissable. In the UK, the entire series, including the 5th Test, is broadcast exclusively live on Sky Sports, available on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. Streaming options are also available via the Sky Go app or Sky Sports app, and for non-Sky customers, a NOW Sports Membership provides access to all Sky Sports channels.

In India, viewers can follow the action live on the Sony Sports Network, which provides comprehensive multi-language coverage. English commentary is available on Sony Sports Ten 5 & Sony Sports Ten 1 channels, Hindi on Sony Sports Ten 3, and Tamil & Telugu on Sony Sports Ten 4. Additionally, JioStar offers exclusive live streaming of all matches from India’s tours of England. The multi-language commentary and various viewing options reflect a deliberate strategy by broadcasters to maximise accessibility and fan engagement, directly contributing to the series’ widespread popularity and trending status.

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