The fourth Test match of the 2025 England-India series at Old Trafford produced one of the greatest comebacks in recent Test match history. After a desperately poor start to their chase of England’s 669, India fought back through the unbeaten centuries of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sunar to escape with an improbable draw, and add another chapter of tension to a series already full of drama.
India In Trouble: A Nightmarish Start
India was in deep trouble early in their second innings. After a monumental chase of England’s score of 669, their position became utterly dire, as Chris Woakes dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for golden ducks in the first over – reducing India to 0/2 with the total, and a deficit of 311.
India had only played 3 balls in their second innings, and had already lost 2 wickets. The run rate was going to struggle to overcome the mounting pressure, and defeat, it seemed, was a matter of time when England’s bowlers applied pressure to India’s disarrayed top order.
The Gill-Rahul Standoff: First Signs Of Hope
India’s impending loss was tempered by the new Indian pair. Skipper Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul had the formidable task of trying to set the ship right – and began appraising the situation on the ground. Gill survived a fiery over bowled by England captain Ben Stokes and a fast and furious over bowled by Jofra Archer, and the pair compiled a stout partnership of attrition and skills – accumulating runs and most importantly, guarding their wickets. Gill went on to score his fourth century of the series, whereas Rahul fell short, but together they wrestled control and lowered England’s chances of a win.
When Gill and Rahul fell in close succession, and with it the impending victory hopes, Jadeja and Sundar stepped in. The England bowlers believed victory was possible. Jadeja and Sundar were not of that same belief.With India still behind to start, the two all-rounders showed remarkable restraint and skill, initially seeing off the tiring England pace attack and then exploiting the fielding positions as England was starting to understand that failure was not an option.
Their unbroken partnership of 203 runs not only wiped out the first-innings deficit but placed India,282/5, virtually in an unassailable position. Sundar’s 101* – his first Test hundred was a masterclass in patience and shot selection. Jadeja’s labour to 107* was more about aggression taking on the bowling, including a six off Harry Brook to reach three figures. This was the first time both players have scored not out Test hundreds in the same innings, and what a great achievement, which turned the game from merely survival to honour and defiance.
A Contrived Finish: Chasing Milestones
As the fifth day was edging toward a draw, as Jadeja and Sundar progressed toward their hundreds, England captain Ben Stokes offered the Indians a draw. The Indian camp agreed to keep playing while the players pursued their individual milestones, and England offered part-timers to bowl, igniting on-field tension and debate on sportsmanship and individual accomplishment.
As Jadeja slugged his way to a hundred, Sundar scampered past 100, and the two adorned in celebration before both teams’ players shook hands and signified the end of the affair.
Reactions: What does the Draw mean?
Captain Shubman Gill backed the group saying it shows the “grit and determination” demonstrated by Jadeja and Sundar under pressure. He said the mood in the Indian dressing room was “as good as a win”, considering their position at the start of the final day. Ben Stokes was bemused but said, “They both played incredibly well”.
The draw keeps the series at 2-1 in favour of England and creates a massive decider at The Oval. For India, it will not only keep alive their hopes of squaring the series, but it exhibited the depth and fight that have characterized this tour.
The Kheloexch360 Experience: Where Every Cricketing Moment is Yours!
Great comebacks in cricket and individual heroics inspire millions—but with Kheloexch360 you won’t just observe history; you’ll participate in it! Kheloexch360 debates every twist and turn with:
- Live cricket-related match updates and statistics for cricket fans to engage with in real-time.
- Fantasy contests and predictions where you channel your cricketing acumen and intuition.
- A comprehensive sports exchange functionality in both the Kheloexch and Kheloexch360 interfaces that allows new and old users to get involved seamlessly.
Whether you’re following sublime partnerships like Jadeja and Sundar’s or just drawing inspiration from your favourite statistics, Kheloexch360 and Kheloexch deliver the best experience in engaging with cricket. Whether it’s a unique cashback payment or a special contest, these platforms ensure that you don’t miss a moment of Test drama.
Why Kheloexch & Kheloexch360?
- 999+ live sports events for diverse engagement and participation in global and domestic cricket.
- Secure and fast transactions to remove the hassle from your gaming experience.
- Exclusive welcome bonuses and interactive community challenges.
- A smart, appealing app and web platform ensuring that participating is simple for both zealous fans and new users.
Don’t miss out on the action—register on Kheloexch360 or check out the ‘normal’ Kheloexch platform for your chance to transform every high and low of cricket into thrill and potential rewards. The drama of Jadeja and Sundar’s Old Trafford rescue awaits—you! Enjoy both Kheloexch and Kheloexch360!
Also Read-Sports Betting vs. Casino Games: What’s Better on f8bet?
