India's Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both scored unbeaten centuries to help their team secure a dramatic draw in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. The tourists, who started the final day at 174 for two, still 137 runs behind, batted through three sessions to reach 425 for four, losing just two wickets. The result means England, leading the series 2-1, cannot win the series outright, but India will head to the Oval for the final Test buoyed by their resilient performance.
England captain Ben Stokes delivered an outstanding all-round display, scoring 141 in the first innings and taking six wickets with the ball. However, his efforts were not enough to force a victory. Stokes, who has now experienced only his second draw as captain, pushed through pain barriers, including a right hamstring issue and biceps tendon soreness, to bowl an eight-over spell on the final morning. He dismissed KL Rahul for 90 with a delivery that jagged back and stayed low, but India's lower order held firm.
Shubman Gill set the tone for India's fightback with a masterful 103 from 238 balls, his fourth century of the series. He was eventually caught off Jofra Archer, but not before becoming only the third Test captain to score four centuries in a series away from home, after Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar. Rahul's 90 provided solid support before falling to Stokes.
After lunch, Jadeja and Sundar took control, adding an unbroken partnership of 162 runs. Jadeja reached his fifth Test century by hitting Harry Brook for six, while Sundar drilled a four to claim his first Test ton. The final hour saw some tension as England wanted to take the players off the field, but India insisted on allowing their batsmen to reach their milestones. Brook was involved in some chirping during the closing moments, but ultimately had to accept the draw.
The Test will also be remembered for Joe Root's 38th Test century on day three, which moved him second on the all-time run charts behind Sachin Tendulkar, surpassing Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting. Despite England's dominance for much of the match, India's stubborn resistance ensured a share of the spoils. Both teams will now have a three-day break before the final Test at the Oval, with England likely to freshen up their attack.
