On the final day of the Old Trafford Test, England managed to take only two wickets.
England’s hopes of victory had faded long before, yet excitement filled the Manchester ground on the last evening. India’s two match-saving heroes, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, stood firm on the brink of centuries despite England’s persistent attempts to unsettle them. Both all-rounders overcame the pressure to reach their triple-figure milestones. Shortly after, both captains agreed to the draw.
England took just two wickets on the fifth and final day. India finished the day and match at 425 for 4 wickets.
Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 101 off 206 balls, hitting 9 fours and 1 six in his maiden century. Ravindra Jadeja was also not out on 107, scoring his runs from 185 balls, including 14 fours and 1 six.
Despite England’s best efforts, they couldn’t break the partnership between the two. The duo shared a smooth 203-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Before them, Shubman Gill had also shown glimpses of a century, reaching 103 off 238 balls with 12 boundaries. With that innings, India’s captain crossed the 700-run mark in the series.
India began the day on Sunday at 174 for 2 wickets, still trailing by 137 runs.
The resilient third-wicket partnership from the previous day was broken early as Lokesh Rahul fell lbw to Ben Stokes for 90 runs. Rahul’s innings included 8 fours from 230 balls.
After the 188-run partnership was broken, Gill did not last long either. Having just reached his century, he was caught behind off Jofra Archer’s delivery.
Then began the determined fightback by Washington and Jadeja. They carefully negotiated the second new ball and steadily advanced the team’s total.
Their partnership reached 50 runs in 92 balls and 100 in 184 balls. Jadeja scored his fifty off 86 balls and his century off 182 balls, while Washington reached three figures in 206 balls.
The match ended soon after Washington’s century celebration.
Ben Stokes, who scored a century in England’s only innings and took 5 wickets in India’s first innings, was named Man of the Match.
England lead the five-match series 2-1. The fifth and final Test will begin at The Oval next Thursday.
Brief Scorecard
- India 1st innings: 358
- England 1st innings: 669
- India 2nd innings: 425/4 (Rahul 90, Gill 103, Washington 101*, Jadeja 107)
Bowlers: Ock 23-4-67-2, Archer 23-3-78-1, Root 19-2-68-0, Stokes 11-2-33-1, others
Result: Draw
Series: England leads 2-1
Man of the Match: Ben Stokes
