The fourth Test of the five-match series between India and England ended in a hard-fought draw at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 27, 2025. With the hosts still leading the series 2-1, the stage is now perfectly set for a thrilling decider. The match witnessed a flurry of centuries, dominant partnerships, and grit from both sides, especially on a pitch that flattened out as the game progressed.
Let’s dive into the key highlights and performances of the match:
Day 1 & 2: India Posts 358, Stokes Wreaks Havoc
After England won the toss and chose to bowl first under overcast conditions, India made a steady start. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a composed 58 off 107 deliveries, while debutant Sai Sudharsan impressed with a gritty 61 off 151 balls. However, it was England’s skipper Ben Stokes who stole the show with the ball, returning with sensational figures of 5 for 72 in 24 overs. Jofra Archer also chipped in with 3 wickets, helping England dismiss India for 358.
Day 3 & 4: England Pile on the Runs with Root-Stokes Masterclass
In reply, England posted a mammoth 669 in their first innings, led by two spectacular centuries from Joe Root (150 off 248) and Ben Stokes (141 off 198). The pair stitched together a formidable 246-run partnership that left the Indian bowlers exhausted. Root’s classy strokeplay and Stokes’ aggressive flair complemented each other beautifully.
Ravindra Jadeja emerged as the pick of the Indian bowlers with 4 for 143 from 37.1 overs, while Washington Sundar also chipped in with 2 wickets. But the visitors were clearly on the back foot as England gained a commanding 311-run first-innings lead.
Day 5: India’s Resolute Batting Saves the Match
With a huge task ahead, India’s second innings began with caution but turned into a tale of resilience and redemption. Shubman Gill, who had been under pressure for lack of big scores, rose to the occasion with a technically sound 103 off 238 balls. His innings laid the foundation for a solid response.
Ravindra Jadeja, already India’s savior with the ball, displayed his all-round brilliance with a determined unbeaten century (107* off 185 balls). The duo’s 200+ run partnership ensured that India not only avoided an innings defeat but also pushed the game toward a draw.
India declared at 425/4 in the final session of Day 5, effectively closing the doors on any possible England chase, and the match ended in a draw.
Key Performers of the Match
| Team | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| England | Joe Root | 150 (248) |
| Ben Stokes | 141 (198) & 5/72 | |
| India | Ravindra Jadeja | 4/143 & 107* (185) |
| Shubman Gill | 103 (238) | |
| Sai Sudharsan | 61 (151) |
Series Situation: England Leads 2-1
With this match ending in a draw, England maintains a 2-1 lead going into the final Test. The momentum, however, might have slightly shifted toward India with their spirited second-innings batting display.
The series has so far been an enthralling battle between bat and ball, and with high-quality performances from the likes of Root, Stokes, Jadeja, and Gill, fans are eagerly looking forward to the finale.
What’s Next?
- 5th Test: The series finale is scheduled to be played at The Oval, starting August 3, 2025.
- All eyes will be on how India approaches the decider — will they go all guns blazing to level the series, or will England manage to seal it 3-1?
The 4th Test at Manchester will be remembered not just for the draw, but for the heart and grit displayed by both sides. Stokes and Root’s brilliance was matched by Jadeja and Gill’s defiance. Test cricket continues to live up to its glory — with sessions swinging like pendulums, and results staying uncertain till the final moments.
