The Manchester Test wasn’t a great escape for India but a creditable draw

By K.R. Nayar

The fourth Test between India and England ended in a draw on Sunday. Many have called it a great escape for India.  Yes, defeat had loomed over India like a gathering storm. But what unfolded was not a tale of survival—it was a tale of defiance, of grit, of fire forged in the furnace of pressure. No one believed that after England posted a lead of 311 runs, and India reeling at 0 for 2, India would end the match in a draw at 425 for 4.

 

One can label it as an escape if only one or two wickets were left or if the last pair had blocked the final overs. India’s brave batting in the second innings was such that England could manage to get only four wickets. They made England toil hard for 143 overs, leaving them drained and frustrated. India’s batting was an exhibition of true grit and valour.

 

It is a fact that the Indian batting did not click in the first innings and that the England batters excelled raking up 669 runs. India’s batting under the pressure is laudable given that a defeat would have given England a series win. England will have to admit that the Indian team is made up of tough players who refuse to yield under pressure. They don’t flinch and they don’t fear.  Despite getting a lead of 311 runs, England ended up getting only four Indian wickets after bowling 143 overs. This could well make India the psychological winner, and also serve as a big boost for them going into the final Test at the Oval.

 

Test cricket is not just a test of skills but of determination. In this Test match, it was India that stole the show in the end, despite Joe Root’s 150 and skipper Ben Stokes' 141. Indian skipper Shubman Gill has an iron will, which has contributed to his fourth century of the series. Rishabh Pant batted in pain after an injury to his toe, but went on to hit a half-century. The whole team seemed ready to brave the battle.

 

The heroes - Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja return after a job well done 

How else can one explain Ravindra Jadeja’s show in this series? His scores of 89 and 69 not out, 72 and 61 not out, and now in this Test, 20 and 107 not out, were all made through sheer grit. Through this series he has proved to be a master of resistance and determination.

 

Similarly, although Washington Sundar is known to be a good batter, his display during a crisis by hitting an unbeaten 101 when runs were needed the most, was remarkable. Also, look at KL Rahul’s scores in this series, which include knocks of 137, 100, and 90. All of them have shown how brilliant they are as Test cricketers.

 

Such has been the show by both teams that the result of the Oval Test will be difficult to predict. But this series will be remembered for a long time. It can well be added to the list of epic battles, and a 2–2 draw will be an icing on the cake. This draw is a reminder to England that to win in the Oval Test, they will have to really toil hard. This bunch of Indian players, under a skipper with an iron will, can do anything.