Shubman Gill called India’s draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford “extremely satisfying” after a gutsy 143-over batting effort kept the visitors in contention for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy heading into the final match at The Oval.
Gill and KL Rahul weathered early damage on day four, steadying the innings after India lost both openers — Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan — in the first over while still trailing England by 311. The pair’s third-wicket stand of 188 runs became the foundation for a comeback many had already written off.
“From 0 for 2, then the partnership KL bhai and I had, I think that ignited the spark,” Gill told BCCI.tv. “To be able to get a draw from the position we were in yesterday is extremely satisfying. This innings of mine was the most pleasing to me.”
Gill’s 103 was his fourth century of the series, putting him alongside Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar for most hundreds in a single Test series in England. After racking up 722 runs, he is now within striking distance of Gavaskar’s all-time Indian record, needing just 52 to make history.
Rahul contributed a patient 90, pushing past 500 runs in a series for the first time in his career. His knock, although not flashy, helped India stay afloat through nearly 70 overs of resistance.
At 222 for 4, after both Gill and Rahul had fallen, England looked to push for a win. But Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar locked in. Jadeja survived a first-ball drop by Joe Root and went on to complete his fifth Test hundred, finishing on 107 not out. Washington, promoted up the order in the absence of Rishabh Pant, also brought up his maiden century, closing on 102*.
Their unbeaten 203-run partnership for the fifth wicket left England with no way forward, and both teams agreed to a draw in the final hour.
“When Jaddu bhai and Washy were batting, it wasn’t easy,” Gill said. “The ball was doing something, but the way they calmly batted and got Test centuries from there tells you how big of an achievement it is.”
Washington had started the series as a lower-order batter but was bumped to No. 5 due to injuries. The move paid off. His calm handling of England’s pace attack, particularly under cloudy skies, stood out.
India now head to The Oval for the final Test with the series still open. England lead 2-1, but the visitors have momentum and renewed belief.
Gill, captaining the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, spoke about the mental discipline required over five sessions.
“To have the same mindset for 143 overs is very difficult,” he said. “That’s the difference between a good team and a great team. We showed today why we’re a great team.”
The final Test begins Friday.
