India's Grit Secures Dramatic Draw After 143-Over Marathon in Fourth Test

In a remarkable display of resilience and grit, India batted for 143 overs in the fourth innings to salvage a memorable draw against England, keeping the five-Test series alive at 2-2 heading into the final Test at The Oval. Trailing by 311 runs after losing both openers in the very first over, India staged an extraordinary comeback through key contributions from Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja.

India captain Shubman Gill, who led from the front with a crucial century, praised the team’s fighting spirit after what he described as the “most pleasing” innings of his career.

"From 0 for 2, then the partnership KL bhai and I had, I think that ignited the spark that yes, we can achieve this task," Gill told BCCI.tv. "To be able to get a draw from the position we were in yesterday is extremely satisfying."

Gill and Rahul's 188-run stand for the third wicket was the foundation of India’s fightback. The duo batted for nearly 70 overs, steadying the innings after the early blows. Gill brought up his fourth century of the series, joining Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar for the most hundreds in a Test series in England. His series tally now stands at 722 runs — just 52 short of Gavaskar’s all-time record for an Indian batter in a series.

Rahul, too, played a pivotal role with a gritty 90, his fourth score above fifty in the series, taking his overall tally to 511 runs — his highest in any Test series.

After Gill's dismissal for 103 and Rahul's departure, India still trailed by 91 with just six wickets in hand. But Jadeja and Washington Sundar stepped up with a match-saving, unbroken 203-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Jadeja, dropped on his first ball by Joe Root, made England pay with a resolute and unbeaten 107, his fifth Test century. He reached the milestone in dramatic fashion, launching a six late in the day, with England already leaning toward offering a handshake.

Washington Sundar, promoted to No. 5 in Rishabh Pant’s absence, also notched his maiden Test century. His composed innings confirmed his credentials as a reliable middle-order option. The hundred comes after his previous best of 96 — also against England — in 2021.

"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."

The match was a testament to India's determination, with the team batting over two full days under pressure. “To be able to have the same mindset for 143 overs is very difficult," Gill reflected. "That’s the difference between a good team and a great team. We showed today why we’re a great team.”

With the series now level at 2-2, all eyes turn to The Oval for the decider, as India aim to claim the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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