Jadeja, Washington pull off dramatic draw to keep series alive after Gill-Rahul’s steely resolve
Manchester: Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja batted out more than two sessions to bring back India from the brink of a decisive defeat and pull off a draw for the ages here on Sunday, keeping the intensely fought series well and truly alive heading into the finale at The Oval.
Having conceded a 311-run lead and losing two quick wickets in the second innings, India displayed a steely resolve to get a favourable result largely due to the efforts of captain Shubman Gill (103 off 238), K L Rahul (90 off 230), Jadeja (107 not out off 185) and Washington (101 not out off 206).
With inspirational England skipper Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer removing a well set Gill and Rahul in the morning, England sensed a series sealing victory but Jadeja and Washington hung in there before milking the bowlers towards the end of the day.
Just before the start of last hour of play, Ben Stokes expressed his desire to end the game but India decided to carry on with Washington and Jadeja closing in on deserving hundreds. Stokes was clearly not amused.
Harry Brook started to offer freebies to Jadeja and Washington as a sign of disapproval for India’s decision to carry on playing. Players finally shook hands after the milestones of Jadeja and Washington were achieved with the latter scoring his maiden Test hundred.
The fightback evoked memories of Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari’s iconic Sydney resistance in 2021. On a pitch that offered variable bounce in the morning but eased out later, the Indian pair’s resolve was unshakeable. Rishabh Pant, nursing a broken foot, was padded up but ultimately wasn’t required.
This was only England’s second draw in 40 Tests under the Bazball regime, the other coming at Old Trafford during the 2023 Ashes — also a weather-affected game. The dry pitch at Old Trafford, which has
already produced four draws this season, played its part again.
At tea, India were 322 for four after a wicketless second session in which the bowlers toiled in vain. Stokes, so threatening in the morning, faded as he pushed through discomfort in his shoulder and hamstring. Liam Dawson couldn’t exploit the rough outside the left-handers’ off-stump, while Archer lacked bite with the second new ball.
Gill’s century, his fourth of the series, and the 188-run partnership with Rahul had laid the foundation. Stokes and Archer briefly reignited English hopes with quick strikes
before Jadeja and Washington shut the door — one dead bat at a time.
