Sensational draw in Manchester; Jadeja, Sundar shine

MANCHESTER: Centuries from captain Shubman Gill (103), Ravindra Jadeja (107*), Washington Sundar (101*) and KL Rahil's 90 helped India avoid an innings defeat in the fourth cricket Test against England. England is leading the five-match series 2-1. The fifth Test will begin at The Oval on the 31st.

England scored 669 runs in their first innings against India, while the visitors could only manage 358 runs in response. When India reached 425/4 in the second innings, the umpires decided to end the match in a draw. The match was called off when India were ahead by 114 runs. Jadeja and Sundar joined forces at the crease after captain Shubman Gill (103), who had scored his fourth century of the series, got dismissed.

India needed 137 more runs to avoid an innings defeat, but lost the wicket of KL Rahul early on Sunday. Gill also returned after completing his century, but Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar made a bulwark for the fifth wicket, continuing the fight. KL Rahul, who had scored 87 runs on the fourth day, could only score three more runs yesterday. Ben Stokes trapped Rahul in front of the wicket in the seventh over of the morning. Rahul, who faced 230 balls in five hours, hit eight boundaries. Rahul built a partnership of 186 runs for the third wicket with Gill.

After lunch, Jadeja and Sundar fought back and helped the team cross 300. Sundar, who hit two fours and a six, reached his half-century in the 117th ball he faced. Ravindra Jadeja then hit a boundary against Stokes to complete his half-century and avoid an innings defeat. Both of them soon completed their centuries, after which the match was called drawn. Ben Stokes was judged the man of the match.