Ravindra Jadeja once again proved why he’s one of India’s most invaluable Test cricketers with a spirited and resolute half-century on Day 5 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. In a match where India were cornered, trailing by 311 runs in the first innings and staring at the possibility of an innings defeat, Jadeja stood tall with yet another crucial knock that shifted the narrative.

Walking in after the fall of centurion and skipper Shubman Gill, Jadeja joined forces with Washington Sundar, and the pair orchestrated a remarkable rescue act that not only erased the deficit but pushed England on the back foot. Ravindra Jadeja’s 27th Test fifty—and his fifth 50-plus score on this tour—came when India were still 89 runs short of avoiding the follow-on at 222/4. His composure under pressure and his ability to counterattack when the chips were down were on full display.
Alongside Sundar, he stitched a dogged and determined partnership, frustrating the English bowlers for nearly two days. The duo’s resistance turned into assertion as they both neared personal milestones, each inching towards a rare Test hundred.
WATCH – Drama Unfolds as Ben Stokes’ Handshake Offer Rejected by Jadeja and Sundar
In a dramatic moment that summed up the fighting spirit of this Indian side, Ben Stokes walked over during the drinks break with his hand outstretched, offering to shake hands and call the match a draw with 15 overs left. But Jadeja and Sundar refused. With centuries in sight, they made their intent clear, and soon enough, both reached triple figures before India finally accepted the handshake.

The gritty rear-guard effort meant India survived five sessions after being reduced to 0/2 in their second innings. With standout contributions from KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, the visitors not only salvaged a draw but psychologically dented an England side that rarely settles for one. For Stokes and McCullum, it was just their second draw in their leadership tenure.
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This match wasn’t just about numbers—it was about resilience, redemption, and resolve. India may not have won the game, but at Old Trafford, in the heart of England’s aggression-driven Test era, they found the next best thing: belief. A belief that could make all the difference in the decider at The Oval. Fans on X hailed Jadeja’s courage, lauding him as the pillar of India’s revival and the architect of their survival.
Gritty India fight out a draw in Manchester to keep the series alive 👊#WTC27 | #ENGvIND https://t.co/pKYATkMSIh
— ICC (@ICC) July 27, 2025
📸📸 Moments in Manchester after stitching a Memorable partnership 🤝
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/L1EVgGu4SI#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/txFI5J5Srf
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2025
एक से बढ़कर एक योद्धा 💥 pic.twitter.com/fYo21QhVoE
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) July 27, 2025
Sunday – Sundar Day! 🥳💯#ENGvIND #WhistlePodu
📸: BCCI pic.twitter.com/dg1AVs7SfU— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 27, 2025
Well played India and England. But, imagine two wickets falling on last day of a Test match in Colombo, Kandy or Galle. The pitch would have been rated proor and that Andy Atkinson would have been flown down for corrective measures.
Long live big three.— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) July 27, 2025
After Washi and Jadeja’s stellar batting performances, what are the chances of Axar Patel turning up for the Oval
— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) July 27, 2025
Team India showed great determination to draw the 4th Test. Brilliant centuries from @ShubmanGill, @Sundarwashi5 , @imjadeja and a crucial knock by @klrahul turned the game around. A spirited performance under pressure! @BCCI
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) July 27, 2025
Take a bow @Sundarwashi5 and @imjadeja !!! Under pressure hundreds are truly special ❤️
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) July 27, 2025
Batting close to 150 overs with potentially 10 men and losing 2 of those in the very first over, the task was not as easy as the scorecard might suggest. This was a proper fightback from Gill, Rahul, Jadeja and Sundar.
Cannot wait for the 5th test to begin already!— Sarvesh🏏 (@CricAspect) July 27, 2025
Happy India saved the Test. Happy for Gill & Jadeja.
But here’s what gives me immense joy — to see Washy do what he did.
I’ve always believed in his cricket. And he seldom disappoints. Good on you boy!
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) July 27, 2025
A cricket stat that is shocking?
India in the second innings
First five balls: Lost two wickets
Next 853 balls: Lost two wickets pic.twitter.com/hyZV0mwOlr— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) July 27, 2025
England’s conduct in the last 10 minutes is a BIG WIN for India
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) July 27, 2025
Washington Sundar averaging 44.86 with the bat & 27.87 with the ball after 12 Tests is elite all-rounder areas. With seven of those Tests coming in Australia & England and despite his actual role in the team still not quite defined #EngvInd
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) July 27, 2025
Amazing draw for India. Turns momentum for the fifth Test. Will Bumrah/Stokes play?!?
What an amazing series this has turned out to be! #EngvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) July 27, 2025
INDIA BATTED 143 OVERS IN DAY 4 & DAY 5 – ONE OF GREAT STORIES IN INDIAN TEST HISTORY 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/M6xpR5aWH1
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 27, 2025
