IndiavsEngland Test series 2025

India’s Gritty Draw in Manchester: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

On July 27, 2025, the Emirates Old

Trafford in Manchester witnessed a cricketing spectacle that will be etched in the annals of Test cricket history. The fourth Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England culminated in an improbable draw, thanks to the steely resolve of Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja.

This match wasn’t just about runs and wickets; it was a testament to India’s fighting spirit, clawing their way back from the brink of defeat to keep the series alive at 2-1 heading into the final Test at The Oval.

The fifth day began with India in a precarious position, reeling at 174/2 after England’s mammoth first innings total of 669. The early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan had left India staring down the barrel, with Chris Woakes nearly claiming a hat-trick. Yet, what unfolded over the next few hours was a masterclass in resilience. Shubman Gill, India’s young captain, led from the front, crafting a magnificent century—his fourth of the series, a feat that places him alongside legends like Sir Donald Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar. His 228-ball 100, laced with 12 fours, was a blend of grit and grace, showcasing his ability to absorb pressure while maintaining focus on a deteriorating pitch.
Gill’s partnership with KL Rahul, who scored a composed 90, set the tone for India’s defiance. Their 174-run stand was the bedrock of India’s second innings, taking the fight to England’s bowlers. However, the morning session on Day 5 saw both batters fall, leaving India vulnerable. Enter Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, two left-handers who stitched together a marathon partnership that frustrated England’s plans. Sundar’s fluent century and Jadeja’s gritty ton, achieved under mounting pressure, were pivotal in steering India to safety at 425/4 after 143 overs. The decision to continue batting until both reached their milestones sparked some debate, with Ben Stokes visibly displeased, but it underscored India’s determination to maximize their gains.

England, led by Stokes’ never-say-die spirit, threw everything at India. Stokes himself was a standout, extracting variable bounce and movement from a pitch that gradually flattened out. His bowling, combined with Jofra Archer’s fiery bursts and Liam Dawson’s spin, posed constant threats. Yet, the Indian batters, particularly Sundar and Jadeja, displayed impeccable technique and temperament. Jadeja, a seasoned campaigner, leveraged his experience from previous tours to England, while Sundar showcased his burgeoning potential, seamlessly shifting gears as the situation demanded. Their ability to rotate the strike and counter England’s spinners, especially Dawson, who struggled to exploit the rough, was crucial in nullifying the hosts’ attack.
The pitch at Old Trafford, expected to deteriorate rapidly on Days 4 and 5, didn’t quite live up to its billing. As Joe Root noted, the wicket became easier to bat on as the game progressed, with minimal assistance for spinners against left-handers. England’s decision to rely on part-timers towards the end, coupled with Stokes’ cautious approach to preserve his fast bowlers for the Oval Test, signaled their acceptance of the draw. The final hour, governed by the rule mandating a minimum of 15 overs, saw both teams shake hands after Sundar and Jadeja reached their centuries, sealing a hard-fought stalemate.

This match was a microcosm of the series’ intensity, with every session fiercely contested. For India, it was a redemption arc after a challenging first innings where their batting and bowling faltered. The resilience shown by Gill, Sundar, and Jadeja not only saved the Test but also kept India’s hopes alive for leveling the series at The Oval. For England, it was a missed opportunity to seal the series, despite dominating large parts of the game. Stokes’ leadership, inspired by cinematic parallels like Fury, and his all-round brilliance (141 in the first innings and relentless bowling) couldn’t quite break India’s resolve.

As the teams head to The Oval, questions linger. Will India risk playing Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled extensively on a flat track? Can England’s bowlers recover from the fatigue of this grueling Test? One thing is certain: this series, marked by high-quality cricket and dramatic turnarounds, promises a thrilling finale. For now, India’s Manchester miracle stands as a beacon of what Test cricket is all about—grit, heart, and the will to fight against all odds.