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Jadeja and Washington Tons Deserved, Not Defined by Numbers – Stokes Reflects on Manchester Draw
India’s Grit Stuns England in Final Day Standoff
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s resilient centuries on the final day of the fourth Test in Manchester not only helped India escape defeat but also drew widespread admiration—even from the opposition. England captain Ben Stokes praised the pair for their mental fortitude, declaring that “10 more runs ain’t gonna change the fact” that they saved the match.
As India fought off a near-certain defeat with a massive 203-run stand, the focus shifted from runs and records to character, resilience, and sportsmanship—qualities that defined one of the most intense matches of the series.
🏏 Final Day Drama: From Pressure to Redemption
A Partnership That Defined the Test
The final day began with India under serious pressure. Chasing survival more than victory, Jadeja (109)* and Washington Sundar (102)* came together just before lunch. Their effort spanned 55.2 overs, navigating through unpredictable bounce, spin, and mounting scoreboard pressure.
Jadeja was lucky to survive a scare on the very first ball he faced, while Washington remained stoic and disciplined throughout. Their partnership not only halted England’s momentum but also revived India’s chances to level the series in the Oval Test.
📌 Related Read: Washington Sundar and Jadeja’s fifties anchor India’s comeback in the fourth Test
🎙️ Ben Stokes: “Numbers Don’t Define Impact”
In the post-match press conference, Stokes hailed the Indian pair, emphasizing that even if they had fallen short of their hundreds, their contribution would remain invaluable.
“You don’t need triple figures to know you’ve done something special for your team,” said Stokes. “They got India out of a very tricky situation. That’s worth more than a stat on a scoreboard.”
England had offered a draw as the final hour approached, but India chose to bat on. In those extra overs, both batters reached their respective centuries—Jadeja’s fifth and Washington’s maiden Test ton.
🔄 England’s Strategic Shift: Rest Over Risk
As the game lost its competitive edge, part-time bowlers Joe Root and Harry Brook were deployed to finish the session. England’s frontline bowlers had already bowled 257 overs in the game, and with the Oval Test looming, Stokes decided to preserve his resources.
“We weren’t going to risk any frontline bowlers,” Stokes added. “I told Harry Brook not to do anything stupid. We’ve been on the field for over 200 overs, and we have a quick turnaround.”
🗣️ Indian Camp Applauds the Heroics
From the Indian side, there was only praise. Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the symbolic weight of the centuries.
“If someone is on 90 or 85 and they’ve weathered the storm, they deserve to reach a hundred. And they did,” said Gambhir.
Captain Shubman Gill, in only his first series as Test skipper, also spoke on the importance of the draw:
“Every ball was an event on that Day 5 pitch. These matches teach you more than wins sometimes. We’ve learned a lot and will carry that into the Oval Test.”
India now stands a chance to draw the series 2-2 in the final match at The Oval—making the Manchester comeback one of the most significant moments of the series.
➡️ For full match details and scorecard, visit ESPNCricinfo – IND vs ENG 4th Test Scorecard
