India Hails Dramatic Test Escape Against England

AFP/APP

New Delhi: India on Monday celebrated what many called a “draw that feels like a win” after a resilient performance in the fourth Test against England kept the five-match series alive.

Trailing 2-1 in the series and facing a massive 311-run deficit on first innings, India staged a dramatic comeback on the final day of the match at Old Trafford on Sunday, setting the stage for a decider at The Oval starting Thursday.

Captain Shubman Gill led the charge with his fourth century of the series, while Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both recorded unbeaten hundreds to deny England a win. KL Rahul also contributed with a crucial 90.

India’s fightback was even more remarkable given that they lost their first two second-innings wickets without scoring a run on Saturday.

“When it comes to India-England, Old Trafford is known for keeping the series alive,” cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “fantastic comeback.” He praised Gill, Rahul, Jadeja, and Sundar for showing “great character and fighting spirit.”

Local and international media echoed the sentiment. The Times of India ran with the headline “The draw that feels like a win,” while ESPNcricinfo called it a “great escape.”

Gill, who came into the series with questions over his overseas form, has silenced critics with a record-breaking run. He now joins the elite company of Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar as one of the few Test captains to score four centuries in a single series.

With 722 runs so far, Gill now holds the record for most runs by an Indian batter in a Test series against England, surpassing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 712 scored in the 2023–24 season.

“Nobody ever doubted Shubman Gill’s talent,” said head coach Gautam Gambhir. “Those who did only talk cricket without understanding the game. Some players take time to blossom, and no one in the dressing room is surprised by what he has done.”

Meanwhile, uncapped wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan was called up as injury cover for Rishabh Pant, who has been ruled out with a fractured foot. Dhruv Jurel is expected to take the gloves in the fifth and final Test.