Cricholic
India’s gritty 203-run epic* at Old Trafford produced one of the most unforgettable comebacks in recent Test history. Despite trailing by over 300 runs after the first innings, India refused to back down. Instead, they fought back with resilience, determination, and a record-breaking stand that denied England a certain win.
🇬🇧 England Dominated Early Before India’s Gritty 203*-Run Epic
England began the Test in dominant fashion. They posted a colossal 669, building pressure on India early in the game. Although the surface was still good for batting, England’s batters made it look even easier. Joe Root (150) and Ben Stokes (141) led the charge, while Crawley and Duckett also chipped in with useful contributions.
To their credit, Jadeja and Sundar toiled hard, sharing six wickets between them. However, with such a tall score on the board, England clearly had the upper hand.
💥 From Collapse to Resolve: India’s Gritty 203*-Run Epic Gathers Pace
India’s second innings started in the worst possible way. Both openers — Sudharsan and Jaiswal — fell for ducks in the very first over. It looked like the match would be wrapped up within three days. Nevertheless, India’s middle order had other plans.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul steadied the ship. Together, they stitched a crucial 188-run stand. Gill, who was under pressure coming into the innings, responded with a composed 103. Rahul, on the other hand, showed incredible grit, scoring 90 off 230 balls.
By the time both were dismissed, India had clawed their way back into the contest.
🛡️ India’s Gritty 203*-Run Epic: Sundar & Jadeja Take Charge
Just when England sensed a breakthrough, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja slammed the door shut. At 222/4, India still had to bat for over 100 overs to save the game. But instead of just surviving, the duo batted with purpose.
Their partnership grew steadily. While Sundar rotated strike smartly, Jadeja remained calm under pressure. Eventually, the pair remained unbeaten on 203, with Sundar scoring a maiden Test hundred and Jadeja adding another to his growing legacy.
Without doubt, this was one of India’s best counterattacks in overseas Tests.
🎯 England’s Bowlers Frustrated by India’s Gritty 203*-Run Epic
Although England tried everything — pace, spin, short balls, and even unconventional fielding setups — nothing worked. Woakes and Archer picked up early wickets, but as the pitch flattened, breakthroughs dried up. Even part-timers like Root and Brook had a go, yet the Indian pair stood firm.
Clearly, the momentum shifted. While the crowd grew restless, the Indian dressing room began to believe. Stokes’ tactics were aggressive, but the resolve from the Indian batters was unmatched.
📝 Match Scorecard – Old Trafford Test
🇮🇳 India – 1st Innings: 358 all out
Top scorers: Sudharsan 61, Jaiswal 58, Pant 54
Best bowlers: Stokes 5/72, Archer 3/73
England – 1st Innings: 669 all out
Top scorers: Root 150, Stokes 141, Duckett 94, Crawley 84
Best bowlers: Jadeja 4/143, Sundar 2/107
🇮🇳 India – 2nd Innings: 425/4 (Match Drawn)
Top scorers: Jadeja 107*, Sundar 101*, Gill 103, Rahul 90
Best bowlers: Woakes 2/67, Archer 1/78
🧠 Final Word
India’s gritty 203-run epic* at Old Trafford wasn’t just a draw — it was a statement. After being written off early, India dug deep and stood tall. Sundar and Jadeja’s unbeaten partnership not only saved the game but also lifted team morale ahead of the final Test.
With momentum now balanced, this thrilling series is far from over. If anything, India has proven that even in the face of adversity, they will never back down.
