India’s Resilient Performance in Fourth Test

India showcased remarkable resilience to secure a draw against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Despite being 0-2 in their second innings, the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, managed to finish on 425 for 4. This impressive comeback was highlighted by centuries from Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. The match concluded with both teams shaking hands during the final session on the last day.

World Test Championship Standings Unchanged

The outcome of this match did not alter the standings in the World Test Championship points table. England maintained their third position, while India held onto fourth place. The series stands at 2-1 in favor of England, with the final match set to take place at the Oval next week.

Individual Achievements and Milestones

Several individual performances stood out during this Test. England captain Ben Stokes achieved a personal milestone by becoming the fourth England cricketer to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test. His 141 runs followed a bowling performance of 5-72 in India’s first innings. Stokes also joined an elite group of cricketers, including Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis, who have scored over 7,000 Test runs and taken 200 wickets.

Concerns Over Stokes’ Fitness

Despite his achievements, Stokes appeared to struggle with fitness issues during the match. He was seen clutching his leg while bowling, raising concerns about his hamstring, which has troubled him in the past.

Joe Root’s Record-Breaking Innings

England’s Joe Root also made headlines by surpassing former Australia captain Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. Root’s innings of 150 marked his 38th century at this level.