• Shubman Gill’s century on Day 5 pushed India on the verge of a draw against England in the fourth Test

  • Despite England’s strong innings and early wickets India’s middle order fight led by Gill showed their resolve.

ENG vs IND: Fans erupt in admiration as Shubman Gill scores a record ton for India on Day 5 of Manchester Test
Fans erupt in admiration as Shubman Gill's valiant century pushes fourth Test towards a draw on Day 5 (Image source: X)

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The much-anticipated fourth Test between England and India at Manchester’s Old Trafford, which commenced on July 23, 2025, has unfolded into a gripping contest marked by scintillating batting performances and intense tactical battles. England had established a commanding position by posting a mammoth 669 in their first innings, a total propelled by crucial contributions including a commanding 150 by Joe Root. India, trailing by a daunting 311 runs after their first innings score of 358, appeared to be staring down the barrel. Yet the resilience of India’s captain Shubman Gill on Day 5 turned the tide, as his magnificent century under pressure not only earned widespread admiration from fans but also steered the match towards a hard-fought draw.

Shubman Gill’s gritty century against England on Day 5

Gill’s innings on the final day of the Test was a luminous example of skill, determination, and leadership under pressure. Batting for 238 deliveries, Gill meticulously paced his innings to reach 103 runs, marked by 12 boundaries. This fourth century of the series elevated Gill into the elite company of legends like Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar, making him only the third captain in Test history to score four centuries in a single series. It was a marathon innings that prioritized stoic defense and strategic shot selection against England’s potent pace attack, particularly the fiery spells from Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. Gill’s patience was especially commendable considering India’s early setbacks in the second innings where openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan were dismissed without scoring, and KL Rahul‘s gritty knock with 90 runs off 230 balls before falling.

Gill’s partnership with Rahul, which yielded 188 runs, was crucial in stabilizing the innings. Even after Rahul’s dismissal, Gill kept India’s hopes alive, helping to chip away at England’s imposing lead and reduce it to under 100 runs. His innings was not one of flamboyance but one of strategic resilience—a classic captain’s knock designed to stave off defeat and push for a draw in a precarious situation.

Also WATCH: Shubman Gill struck by Ben Stokes’ brutal delivery on Day 5 of Manchester Test

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India’s critical position and the battle for survival against England in the Fourth Test

India’s position throughout much of this Test was critical against a dominant English side. England’s massive 669 on Day 3, highlighted by multiple key contributions, set India an uphill task. Responding with 358 in the first innings, India were nonetheless trailing by 311 runs—a deficit that exposed the challenge ahead. Early in the second innings, India’s top order crumbled with two ducks from the opening pair, exposing the middle order to intense pressure. The hosts’ bowlers, led by Stokes (5 wickets) and Archer (3 wickets), exploited the conditions skillfully.

At lunch on Day 5, India were 223 for 4, still trailing by 88 runs. With contributions from Washington Sundar (21 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja hanging in there, the team fought to salvage pride and avoid an outright loss. The pitch had started to slow, and England also faced the prospect of not having enough time to push for a win, tilting the match towards a probable draw.

Also WATCH: Ben Stokes’ roaring celebration after dismissing KL Rahul at 90 on Day 5 of Manchester Test

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.