In a memorable Day 5 showdown at Old Trafford, Indian captain Shubman Gill etched his name into the history books while leading India’s spirited resistance against England in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. After India were reduced to 0 for 2 in the very first over of their second innings, Gill delivered a masterclass in resilience and composure, notching up his fourth century of the series—a record-breaking feat.
With this knock, Gill became:
- The first Indian captain to score four Test centuries in a single series in England.
- The third captain in Test history, after Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar, to achieve four tons in a single series.
- The only cricketer to score four centuries in his debut Test series as captain.
His knock of 103 was the backbone of India’s reply, as he forged a crucial 188-run partnership with KL Rahul (90), navigating a fiery English attack led by a determined Ben Stokes. However, Gill’s innings came to an end just before lunch, edging one off Jofra Archer to the keeper—a critical breakthrough for the hosts.
Post Gill’s dismissal, India found resolve in the lower order. All-rounders Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja combined for a dogged fifty-run partnership, taking India to 308/4 and reducing the first-innings deficit of 311 runs to just three by the post-lunch session.
Washington Sundar impressed with a gritty, unbeaten 51 off 117 balls, displaying the temperament required for a high-pressure fourth innings. Jadeja, meanwhile, stood firm with 46 off 84 deliveries. Together, they not only steadied the innings but also brought India within striking distance of parity.
Ben Stokes, battling visible discomfort, returned for a second spell and bagged the wicket of KL Rahul earlier in the day. His spell read a commendable 10.2 overs, 1 for 29, reflecting his continued impact as a leader.
England’s bowlers—Archer, Woakes, Carse, and Dawson—rotated efficiently throughout the session, but breakthroughs proved hard to come by. Despite using the second new ball strategically, India’s lower order offered stiff resistance.
The dramatic shift in fortunes came after India was rocked early on Day 4 and then again on the final morning. However, Gill’s brilliance and India’s collective grit kept the visitors alive in the contest. While the game appeared to be headed for a draw by mid-session on Day 5, the threat of a late collapse still loomed—and so did the Manchester weather, which hovered as a potential disruptor.
Should England clinch a victory, they will seal the series with a game to spare. But for now, India’s fightback has not only kept their hopes alive but also elevated the contest to classic status.
