India Dig Deep to Draw at Old Trafford as Jadeja, Washington Shine with the Bat
Posted: July 27, 2025
Old Trafford played host to an enthralling fourth Test match that ended in a hard-earned draw, thanks to the grit and brilliance of India’s middle order, led by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
The Test, which had its fair share of tension and momentum shifts, will be remembered less for its result and more for how India clawed their way out of a precarious situation and shifted the series narrative. Jadeja, calm and composed as ever, put together a magnificent century, while Washington Sundar celebrated his maiden Test ton with quiet pride and a touch of disbelief.
As the game drew to a close, Ben Stokes offered the handshake, but India weren’t done just yet. With both batters in the 90s, the team decided to push for individual landmarks—a decision that sparked debate but was completely understandable in the context of the series.
The Final Session: Tension, Ton-ups, and a Bit of Needle
The closing overs saw Joe Root and Harry Brook rolling their arms over, not quite looking for wickets but more so trying to coax the Indians into a mistake. But neither Jadeja nor Washington flinched. Instead, they accumulated calmly, Jadeja smashing a six and a four off Brook to reach his hundred in style. Washington followed soon after, tapping a single to bring up his first-ever three-figure score in Test cricket.
There was no excessive celebration—just a genuine sense of satisfaction and relief. For India, this wasn’t just about saving a match—it was about reclaiming belief.
Stokes vs. the Situation
It was an emotional moment for England too, albeit a frustrating one. Stokes, ever the competitor, seemed less than pleased with India’s refusal to accept the handshake with 15 overs remaining. But this is Test cricket. Every run, every over, and every moment matters—especially when the series is on the line.
While some spectators called England's approach unsporting, others saw it for what it was: high-stakes competition. This wasn’t just a drawn game—it was a contest that had to be survived.
Momentum Swings India’s Way
As the teams left the field, it was clear that the emotional edge now belonged to India. Their batting display was not just about resilience but intent—three centuries in the innings told their own story. The psychological advantage ahead of the Oval Test now rests with them.
England, on the other hand, will be left pondering the condition of the pitch—which offered little help for bowlers late in the game—and the physical toll on their key players. Can they afford to roll the dice on Jofra Archer again? And what of Stokes’ ever-tenuous body?
Captain Gill’s Growing Presence
Shubman Gill, who now joins the rare company of Bradman and Gavaskar with three centuries as captain in a series, showed maturity well beyond his years. His post-match comments revealed a leader grounded in the moment, more concerned with what lies ahead than resting on past laurels.
Asked about the delayed handshake, he shrugged it off, noting that his batters were close to milestones, and it was their decision to push on. A small moment, perhaps—but a telling one.
With the series locked and the finale looming at The Oval, this result sets up a thrilling conclusion.
India, buoyed by belief, momentum, and a freshly earned sense of purpose, will arrive in London with their eyes firmly on the prize. England, meanwhile, will have to dig deep—physically, tactically, and emotionally.
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