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India produced one of Test cricket’s great rearguard efforts to salvage a dramatic draw against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday. After being reduced to 0-2 early in their second innings and facing a daunting first-innings deficit, the visitors held their nerves to finish the final day at 425/4 in response to England’s imposing total of 669.
The draw was secured through determined centuries from captain Shubman Gill, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, each of whom rose to the occasion under immense pressure. Their defiant stand nullified England’s hopes of clinching the series at Old Trafford and pushed the five-match contest into a decider next week at The Oval, with England still holding a 2-1 lead.
In a lighter moment that captured the spirit in the Indian camp, fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was spotted performing a bhangra dance as he led the players off the field and into the dressing room.
Mood in Manchester! 🕺🤩#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/lpShpFjkgN
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) July 28, 2025
While India’s spirited fightback stole the headlines, it was also a personal milestone Test for England captain Ben Stokes. The talismanic all-rounder delivered a commanding all-round performance, scoring a superb 141 in England’s first innings after earlier taking 5 for 72 in India’s opening effort of 358. With this feat, Stokes became only the fourth English cricketer to score a century and claim a five-wicket haul in the same Test match. Moreover, he joined an elite group of just three players in Test history, alongside West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers and South African great Jacques Kallis, to have both 7,000 runs and 200 wickets in the format.
However, there were concerns for England as Stokes appeared visibly uncomfortable while bowling on Sunday, repeatedly clutching his upper leg. Given his history with hamstring issues, his fitness will be a major concern for the team ahead of the series finale.
Meanwhile, Joe Root added yet another chapter to his remarkable career, scoring a composed 150 and overtaking former Australian captain Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test history. This innings marked Root’s 38th Test century, further cementing his legacy as one of the modern greats.
With the series still hanging in the balance, both teams now turn their focus to The Oval, where the final Test promises to be a fitting climax to a thrilling contest.
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