1. Executive Summary
India fought back brilliantly on Day 5 at Old Trafford to salvage a thrilling draw in the fourth Test, keeping the five-match series alive at 2–1 in England’s favour. England piled on a mammoth 669 in the first innings, powered by Ben Stokes’ masterful 141 and a rare Test double of century + five wickets. India then produced a gritty resistance—Shubman Gill scored another ton, followed by a historic 200‑run+ unbroken stand between Washington Sundar (100*) and Ravindra Jadeja (107*) to defy defeat.
2. Day-by-Day Highlights
🗓 Day 1 & 2: Critical Early Blow to India
England won the toss and opted to field. India made early jolts with Sai Sudharsan, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj debuting. However, star keeper Rishabh Pant fractured his foot and retired hurt on 37, casting a dark shadow on India’s campaign. By stumps, India was 264/4, driven by Sudharsan’s maiden half‑century and Thakur’s support. ([turn0news45], [turn0search29])
🗓 Day 3: Stokes & Root Dominate
Ben Stokes and Joe Root piled on runs—Root notched his 38th Test hundred, while Stokes contributed a gritty 77*, pushing England past 600. They declared on 669, holding a lead of 311. ([turn0search12], [turn0search0])
🗓 Day 4: Wake-Up Call from India
England looked poised to close the book. Woakes struck early to reduce India to 0/2. But Gill and KL Rahul combined for a heroic 174-run partnership, batting through two wicketless sessions to bring India to 174/2 at stumps. Their composure on a flat pitch frustrated England. ([turn0news31], [turn0news32])
🗓 Day 5: Sundar–Jadeja Rescue Mission
With tension high, India continued: Gill fell early, but Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar rejected an offer of a draw from Captain Stokes and pressed on. Together, they crafted a colossal unbeaten partnership—saving the match and denying England a series-clinching victory—ending with India at 322/4 at tea, marginally a lead of 11 runs, securing the draw. ([turn0search3], [turn0news33], [turn0news34])
3. Players of the Match
- Ben Stokes (Eng Captain/All‑Rounder)
First England captain to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test since Imran Khan (1983). His 141 and 5–72 helped England take a commanding position. ([turn0news35], [turn0news39]) - Shubman Gill (Ind Captain)
Another ton amid intense pressure—a fourth in just four Tests—totalling over 700 series runs. His leadership and technique anchored India’s fightback. ([turn0news33], [turn0search51]) - Ravindra Jadeja & Washington Sundar (Ind All-rounders)
Both scored maiden Test hundreds (107* & 100*). Their unbroken stand consumed nearly 150 overs and proved decisive in preserving India’s tour hopes. ([turn0news34], [turn0news37])
4. Tactical & Strategic Turning Points
| Phase | Key Tactics |
|---|---|
| England First Innings | Patient accumulation from England’s top order; Woakes’ early strike created pressure. |
| India’s Recovery | Rahul–Gill forced England to rethink; long resilience exposed England’s bowling fatigue. |
| Final Stand | Jadeja & Sundar’s decision to bat on altered the momentum; their calm negated Stokes’ attack. |
| England’s Fatigue | Overbowling, flat pitch, and criticism from Ricky Ponting pointed to India’s ability to outlast approach. ([turn0news38]) |
5. Series Implications
India’s survival keeps the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy on the line. With a 5th Test decider at The Oval starting July 31, both sides have everything to play for. India’s resilience under pressure and England’s tactical shift under Stokes raise the stakes in this historic rivalry. ([turn0search47])
6. FAQs
Q1: How does this result affect the series?
- England still leads the series 2–1, but India forced a decider at The Oval. A win there secures the trophy; a draw means England retains by virtue of their lead.
Q2: What made Stokes’ performance special?
- He became the first England captain to score a Test century and take five wickets in the same match—a feat mirrored only by cricket legends like Ian Botham and Imran Khan. ([turn0news35], [turn0news36])
Q3: Why did India decline an offered draw?
- Sundar and Jadeja felt confident of reaching their centuries and surpassing Eng’s energy. Their refusal changed the narrative and showcased India’s belief. ([turn0search3])
Q4: How key was the Rahul–Gill partnership?
- Arguably the turning point: from 0/2 to 174/2, it robbed England of momentum and set the stage for the final day resistance. ([turn0news31], [turn0news32])
Q5: Any injury concerns?
- Pant’s fractured foot limited his wicketkeeping but not his resolve. England’s fitness too: particularly Stokes’ ability post-day 4 remained questioned. ([turn0news45], [turn0news36])
7. Final Thoughts
The 4th Test at Old Trafford will be remembered for its dramatic swings—from England’s dominance to India’s defiance. It showcased leadership, resilience, and the essence of Test cricket’s mental warfare. With momentum shifting to India, the upcoming decider promises classic cricket theatre.
8. Resources & References
- Reuters – India hold on for draw; Gill century & lower-order rescue Firstpost+15Reuters+15ESPN Cricinfo+15ESPN Cricinfo+3CricTracker+3The Guardian+3The GuardianFirstpostTalksport+1The Guardian+1ESPN CricinfoOutlook India+1Wikipedia+1
- The Guardian – Ravindra Jadeja & Washington Sundar centuries save India The Economic Times
- TalkSport – Stokes’ rare achievement with bat and ball Talksport
- Times of India/Newsmakers – Ponting’s critique of India’s bowling Cricreads+15SmartUp World+15ESPN Cricinfo+15
- CricTracker & Cricbuzz – Previews, tactical breakdowns The Times of India+15CricTracker+15cricreads11.com+15
9. SEO Meta
- Title: India vs England 4th Test 2025: Ben Stokes’ Double and India’s Epic Rescue at Old Trafford
- Slug: india-england-4th-test-2025-old-trafford-report
- Meta Description: Relive how England’s Stokes hit a rare Test double and India’s Jadeja‑Sundar stand forced a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford—keeping the series alive ahead of the Oval decider.
