🏏 India vs England 4th Test 2025 – Jadeja & Sundar’s Heroic Stand Saves India in Manchester 💥
📍 Old Trafford, Manchester | 🗓️ July 23–27, 2025
In one of the most dramatic Test matches of recent years, India pulled off a stunning escape to force a draw against England in the 4th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. From collapsing at 0/2 to finishing strong at 425/4, India’s incredible fightback—led by Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shubman Gill—kept the series alive at 2-1 in England’s favour.
Let’s dive into this unforgettable match filled with milestones, drama, and top-tier Test cricket. 🧠🔥
🏆 Series Context: High Stakes for Both Teams
This match was part of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship and the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
- England had already won the 1st and 3rd Tests.
- India won the 2nd Test.
- The 4th Test was must-not-lose for India to stay in the series.
📅 Day-by-Day Summary
🔹 Day 1 – India Posts 358 After Solid Start 💪
England chose to bowl first, and India responded with a solid 358:
- Sai Sudharsan – 61
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 58
- Rishabh Pant – 54
- Ben Stokes was the bowling hero for England with 5/72 despite shoulder discomfort.
🔹 Day 2 – England Take Control ⚡
England’s openers made the most of a flat pitch:
- Zak Crawley – 84
- Ben Duckett – 94
- Joe Root remained unbeaten on 106 at stumps.
- England closed the day at 225/2, building pressure.
🔹 Day 3 – Root & Stokes Power England to 669 💥
- Joe Root scored 150
- Ben Stokes smashed 141
- England declared at a massive 669/9—their 9th-highest Test score vs India.
India began their second innings in shock:
- Jaiswal and Sudharsan were dismissed for ducks in the first over.
- India collapsed to 0/2, facing a possible defeat.
🔹 Day 4 – Gill & Rahul’s Partnership Brings Hope 🙌
- Shubman Gill (103) and KL Rahul (90) built a 188-run stand, steadying the innings.
- India ended the day at 174/2, trailing by 137 but back in the fight.
🔹 Day 5 – Jadeja & Sundar Save the Test 🛡️
With Pant ruled out due to injury (fractured foot), Ravindra Jadeja (107)* and Washington Sundar (101)* delivered under immense pressure.
- Their 203-run unbeaten stand helped India reach 425/4, securing a draw.
- England grew visibly frustrated, offering a mutual draw, which India declined.
- Stokes bowled exaggeratedly slow lobs (35 mph) in the final overs—a moment that sparked both laughs and tension.
🔥 Key Performers & Stats
| 🏏 Player | ✨ Highlight |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill 🇮🇳 | 103 (4th century of the series), 1st Asian to score 700+ runs in a series in England |
| Ravindra Jadeja 🇮🇳 | 107* & 4/143 – all-round brilliance and match-saving knock |
| Washington Sundar 🇮🇳 | Maiden Test century (101*) under pressure, saved India |
| Joe Root 🏴 | 150 – Became 2nd-highest run-scorer in Test history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar |
| Ben Stokes 🏴 | 141 with the bat, 5/72 with the ball – all-round show while managing injury |
📊 Records & Milestones
- ✨ Shubman Gill is now the first Asian batter to cross 700 runs in a single Test series in England.
- ✨ Joe Root overtook Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
- ✨ Ben Stokes bowled a whopping 122 overs in this series – the most in his career.
- ✨ Jadeja & Sundar’s 203 run stand*: one of India’s most valuable 4th-innings partnerships in overseas Tests.
🧠 Turning Points
⚠️ 0/2 Collapse: India’s 2nd innings began with a nightmare start.
💪 Gill-Rahul Comeback: The duo added 188 runs to restore calm.
🏏 Jadeja-Sundar Rescue: Their 203-run partnership shut the door on England’s victory hopes.
🗣️ Post-Match Reactions
Ben Stokes 🗨️
“We threw everything we had. Credit to India for hanging in. Personally, I’ve never bowled this much—it's been exhausting.”
Shubman Gill 🗨️
“We were in deep trouble, but this team has heart. To come back from 0/2 and save the match shows what we’re made of.”
🎯 What’s Next?
The series moves to The Oval, where the 5th and final Test starts on July 31, 2025.
- England needs just a draw to win the series.
- India must win to level it 2-2.
Expect another epic showdown between Gill, Jadeja, Root, Stokes, and the rest. The series has lived up to the hype—and now it's time for the grand finale.
✅ Final Thoughts: A Draw That Felt Like a Win 🏁
This Test had everything:
- Pressure ✅
- Comebacks ✅
- Drama ✅
- Record-breaking performances ✅
From Gill’s record-setting series, to Jadeja and Sundar’s fightback, and Root and Stokes' elite form, this Manchester Test will be remembered as a modern-day classic.
Cricket fans, buckle up—The Oval Test promises fireworks.
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