The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, concluded with an unforgettable draw, leaving the five-match series finely poised at 2–1 in England’s favor. Across five days of high-India octane cricket, the match saw incredible performances, heroic comebacks, and moments that will echo for generations—none more inspiring than Rishabh Pant’s return from injury and the record-defining partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar on the final day.
🏏 Day 1: India’s Start and Pant’s Grit
England won the toss and elected to bowl first under slightly overcast skies. The innings was steady but saw wickets fall at regular intervals. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a fluent 58, while KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan chipped in with 46 and 61 respectively. However, the turning point of the day came when Rishabh Pant was struck on the toe by a brutal delivery from Chris Woakes, forcing him to retire hurt.
India’s middle order faltered as Ben Stokes, leading from the front, scalped a sensational five-wicket haul. Jofra Archer complemented him with raw pace and precision, bagging three key wickets.
In a display of courage, Rishabh Pant returned to the crease despite a confirmed toe fracture, showcasing incredible character. He went on to score a vital 54 runs, helping India reach 358 all out, a total that seemed respectable in context.
📝 India 1st Innings – 358/10
Top Scorers:
- Sai Sudharsan – 61
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 58
- Rishabh Pant – 54 (retired hurt, returned)
- KL Rahul – 46
England Bowling:
- Ben Stokes – 5/71
- Jofra Archer – 3/73
- Chris Woakes – 1/66
🏏 Day 2–3: England’s Batting Masterclass
England came out strong in their reply. Openers Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) stitched a 166-run stand, setting the tone. After both fell short of centuries, Joe Root and Ollie Pope continued the momentum with a 144-run partnership. Root looked sublime, crafting a majestic 150, while Pope added a crucial 71.
The innings reached a crescendo with yet another dominant partnership—Root and Ben Stokes added 142 runs. Stokes played a captain’s knock, scoring an authoritative 141, reinforcing England’s position.
Despite England’s massive total of 699 all out, Ravindra Jadeja bowled tirelessly to claim 4 wickets and slow the scoring.
📝 England 1st Innings – 699/10
Top Scorers:
- Joe Root – 150
- Ben Stokes – 141
- Ben Duckett – 94
- Zak Crawley – 84
- Ollie Pope – 71
India Bowling:
- Ravindra Jadeja – 4/143
- Jasprit Bumrah – 2/112
- Washigton Sundar – 2/107
🏏 Day 4: England Seize Control, India Stumble
With a 341-run first-innings lead, England enforced pressure by giving India a target of 311 runs late on Day 4. The Indian innings began in horror as Chris Woakes struck twice in his first two balls, removing both openers Jaiswal and Sudharsan for ducks. India were reeling at 0/2.
As stumps approached, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul tried to steady the innings, ending the day cautiously with India at 0/2.
🏏 Day 5: The Great Wall – Jadeja & Sundar’s Heroics
On Day 5, most expected England to wrap up a win before lunch. However, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul had different plans. Their 174-run stand turned the tide. Gill scored a resilient 103, his fourth century of the series, while Rahul narrowly missed his ton with 90.
Even after both fell, the battle was far from over. India still needed to survive two sessions. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar showed unshakeable temperament, grinding out a stunning 203-run unbeaten partnership.
Jadeja remained 107 not out, and Sundar, 101 not out. The most dramatic moment came when both were approaching centuries—Ben Stokes offered a handshake to end the match early, suggesting a draw. However, Jadeja declined, saying, “We’ll shake hands only after we reach our centuries.” True to their word, both brought up their hundreds before officially drawing the match.
📝 India 2nd Innings – 425/4 (Match Drawn)
Top Scorers:
- Shubman Gill – 103
- KL Rahul – 90
- Ravindra Jadeja – 107*
- Washington Sundar – 101*
England Bowling:
- Chris Woakes – 2/67
- Ben Stokes – 1/33
- Jofra Archer – 1/78
🧠 Analysis: Character Over Numbers
This match will be remembered not just for its statistical significance, but for the emotional weight it carried. Rishabh Pant’s return despite injury, Jadeja’s composure, and Sundar’s maturity under pressure all painted a portrait of India’s never-say-die attitude.
For England, it was a missed opportunity. Despite Root and Stokes’ masterclasses, they couldn’t force a win on a wearing fifth-day pitch.
🏆 Player of the Match: Ben Stokes
For his 141-run and 5 Wickets Haul England’s first innings.
🔎 Series Status
With this draw, England leads the series 2–1. The final Test at The Oval (July 31–August 4) will be a decider for India, who must win to square the series.
India will miss Rishabh Pant, ruled out due to the toe fracture. N. Jagadeesan is the likely replacement behind the stumps.
📊 Match Summary (Innings-wise)
| Team | Innings | Runs | Top Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1st | 358 | Sudharsan (61), Jaiswal (58), Pant (54) |
| England | 1st | 699 | Root (150), Stokes (141), Duckett (94) |
| India | 2nd | 425/4 | Jadeja (107*), Sundar (101*), Gill (103) |
| Result | – | Match Drawn | Series: ENG 2–1 |
