Stokes floored in one stroke – Shubman’s sharp statement on refusing to shake hands

Sports News: The fourth match of the five-Test series between India and England ended in a draw, as neither side could force a result despite some dominant batting performances. At Manchester’s Old Trafford, India posted 358 runs in their first innings, but England replied strongly with a massive 669, taking a lead of 311 runs. Even with such an advantage, England could not push for victory. In the second innings, India fought back brilliantly. Captain Shubman Gill (century), Ravindra Jadeja (century), and Washington Sundar (century) led the resistance, helping the team reach 425 for 4 wickets. By the final session on Day 5, both teams agreed to settle for a draw.

“We had to play ball by ball and take the match deep” 

After the match, captain Shubman Gill lauded his batters and outlined the team’s game plan: “I’m very happy with the batting effort. There was tremendous pressure on us over the last few days. On the fifth day, every ball feels like an event. We had decided to play ball by ball and take the match deep – and that’s exactly what we did.”

Gill on ‘not shaking hands’

In the final session, England skipper Ben Stokes proposed to Jadeja and Sundar that they settle for a draw after the 138th over. Gill supported their decision, saying: “We felt Jadeja and Sundar batted brilliantly. They deserved their centuries. Every match goes to the last day, the last session. Every Test teaches you something new, and this one taught us a lot as a team.”

Missed opportunities in the first innings, redemption in the second

Gill admitted that India failed to capitalize in the first innings: “We scored reasonably well in the first innings, but many of our batsmen got out after settling in. On wickets like these, if a batsman is set, he has to play a big innings. That’s what we managed in the second innings – and the result is there for everyone to see.”

Washington’s ‘superb’ innings and Jadeja’s resilience

In the second innings, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja stood firm alongside Gill, effectively shutting the door on England’s chances of victory. Their centuries ensured India avoided defeat and held the series level. The fourth Test might have ended in a draw, but Gill’s captaincy, his century, and the fighting spirit of the Indian batting unit have strengthened Team India’s position in the series. All eyes will now be on the decisive final Test.