In a remarkable display of grit and determination, India held England to a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, keeping the five-match series alive heading into the decider at The Oval. India closed their second innings at 425 for 4, with a 114-run lead when the match ended with 10 overs remaining on day five.
England had dominated the early stages of the Test, posting 669 runs in their first innings, led by centuries from Joe Root (150) and Ben Stokes (141). India responded with 358 in their first innings, falling significantly behind, but the hosts could not push through for victory after a determined Indian fightback.
On the final day, England tried everything to break the Indian resistance, but the visitors stood firm. KL Rahul added 90 before falling early in the day to Stokes. Shubman Gill carried on to score a resilient 103 before edging behind off Jofra Archer. With India still trailing and four wickets down, the game hung in the balance.
England’s best chance came when Root dropped Ravindra Jadeja on the first ball he faced—a costly miss as Jadeja went on to score an unbeaten 107. He partnered with Washington Sundar, who also remained not out on 101, to stitch together a vital 203-run stand for the fifth wicket. Their marathon effort blunted the English attack and ensured the match ended without a result.
Stokes led from the front, battling through visible discomfort to bowl two intense spells on the final day. However, England’s bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs, with left-arm spinner Liam Dawson going wicketless in 47 overs.
This was just the second draw in 40 Tests under Stokes’ captaincy, both of which have come at Old Trafford. The pitch offered only intermittent help to bowlers, and England couldn’t convert their advantage into a win.
For India, the result was a significant turnaround. At one point, they were 0 for 2 in their second innings, still 311 runs behind, and facing likely defeat. Their recovery highlighted their resilience, particularly under the leadership of Shubman Gill, who has now scored 722 runs in the series—more than any other Indian in a single Test series.
In the final session, India delayed the draw to allow both Jadeja and Sundar to reach personal milestones. While that move frustrated England, it capped off a defiant comeback that now sets up a thrilling finale.
The fifth and final Test begins Thursday at The Oval. England leads the series 2-1 but must manage fatigue and possible injuries to key players, including Stokes. India will be without Rishabh Pant due to a fractured foot and must decide whether to recall pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Both teams face selection challenges and fitness concerns, but after four gripping matches, the stage is set for a memorable series conclusion in London.
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