Manchester, July 27 (UNI) A defiant unbeaten partnership between Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja rescued India from a tense morning and guided them to 322 for 4 at tea on the final day of the fifth Test at Old Trafford, keeping hopes of a draw alive after Shubman Gill’s fighting century earlier in the day.
Resuming at 174 for 2 today, India lost KL Rahul early when he was trapped lbw by Ben Stokes for 87 in the 70th over. A delivery that stayed low struck Rahul in front, and the decision stayed with the umpire’s call on review. His 230-ball knock had held India together under pressure.
Captain Shubman Gill battled through a challenging session, surviving a drop catch in the 67th over and a close review scare two overs later. He reached his fourth century of the series in the 83rd over, guiding Chris Woakes past point to bring up his ninth Test hundred, celebrating with a roar as the Manchester crowd stood in appreciation. India had reached 200 by then, but momentum swung again shortly after.
Gill was dismissed for a composed 103 in the 87th over by Jofra Archer, who got one to seam away and draw an outside edge to keeper Jamie Smith. At 222/4, India were still under pressure. In the same over, Jadeja edged Archer to first slip, only to be put down by Joe Root, a moment that would prove crucial.
From there, Jadeja and Washington Sundar staged a strong resistance, gradually rebuilding the innings with assured strokeplay and clever rotation. Washington, who had earlier punched Archer down the ground for four and flicked Dawson through midwicket, brought up his half-century with a pull shot off Stokes in the 111th over, following it up with a six that rivalled his iconic Gabba shot, lifting India into the lead.
Jadeja, meanwhile, batted with typical flair and composure. He flicked Root for a boundary, slashed Brydon Carse through the gully, and powered a wide delivery from Stokes to the fence to bring up his 50 off 86 balls. The crowd erupted as he raised his bat and unfurled his trademark sword celebration.
The pair brought up their 100-run stand in the 118th over, just before tea, with a single off Root. India had gone from 223/4 at lunch to 322/4, adding 99 runs in the session without losing a wicket.
Jadeja was unbeaten on 53 and Washington on 58 at the break, with both batsmen showing remarkable application and shot selection. England tried varying their attack with Liam Dawson, Root, and short bursts from Archer and Stokes, but the pitch flattened out and the Indian pair capitalised. England’s frustration was evident, as field adjustments and discussions between Stokes and Dawson became frequent in the final overs.
India, now with a narrow lead and two settled batsmen, will look to bat out the final session and secure a draw that would deny England a series win.
