India Salvages Draw After Remarkable Recovery

MANCHESTER: Following the fourth Test against England, India’s captain, Shubman Gill, commended his team’s resilient performance in securing a draw. Gill emphasized that the team’s comeback illustrated their strength and determination.

The Indian team faced a challenging situation when Chris Woakes quickly dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for no score. This occurred after England had established a significant 311-run lead in the first innings, amassing 669 runs in response to India’s initial 358.

After the poor start to their second innings, India’s captain, Gill, together with opening batsman KL Rahul, orchestrated a stunning turnaround. They batted for nearly 70 overs and forged a partnership of 188 runs for the third wicket.

The strong partnership concluded with Rahul’s departure, while Gill continued, achieving a resilient century that he described as his ‘most satisfying’ innings.

Gill stated, “From being at 0 for 2, the partnership that KL and I built ignited the belief that we could achieve this.”

“I’m extremely pleased. Securing a draw from our position yesterday is very fulfilling. This innings stands out as my most rewarding,” he added.

His determination ended in the first session of the final day, with India at 222/4, still trailing by 89 runs.

However, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar dominated England’s bowling attack, ensuring a draw for India through an unbroken 203-run partnership. Both players scored impressive centuries.

Gill praised Jadeja and Sundar’s game-changing partnership, acknowledging their calm approach when the ball presented challenges.

Gill noted, “It wasn’t easy when Jaddu and Washy were batting, with the ball showing movement. Their composed batting, leading to Test centuries, highlights the magnitude of their accomplishment.”

The 25-year-old further commented that maintaining this mindset for approximately 140 overs demonstrated the team’s greatness.

Gill concluded, “Maintaining the same mindset for 140 [143] overs is a difficult task. This separates a good team from a great one, and we demonstrated why we are a great team today.”

The draw means England still leads the five-match series 2-1. The final match is set for The Oval in London, commencing on July 31.