India fight back against England

India Salvage Epic Draw at Old Trafford in Fourth Test 🏏

🇮🇳 India Fight Back After Crushing 311-Run Deficit

England dominated early, piling up 669 in their first innings, highlighted by centuries from Joe Root (150), Ben Stokes (141), Ben Duckett (94), Zak Crawley (84), and Ollie Pope (71). India fought back with 358 in reply, thanks to half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan(61), Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), and Rishabh Pant (54) before Stokes claimed 5/72 to dismantle the top order .

Day 5: Unforgettable Lower-Order Heroics

England must avoid defeat in the fifth Test at The Oval to seal the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. For India, drawing or bettering the match secures at least a series draw and helps retain trophy status.

Ben Stokes Historic, but Under Pressure

England’s captain became only the fourth male cricketer to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test—an achievement that echoed legends like Sobers, and Kallis . He later grimaced in pain, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the series decider .

Controversy Over Handshake, Fair Play Debate

In a tense moment on Day 5, Stokes approached Jadeja and Sundar for a match-ending handshake—offered as India continued batting to reach individual milestones. India declined, prioritizing their unbeaten centuries. The refusal sparked heated debate about sportsmanship. Australian media labeled England’s reaction as "arrogant" and "hateable” .

Former players weighed in: Sanjay Manjrekar criticised Stokes’s conduct as "spoiled," while Justin.L noted cultural differences on when to shake hands, urging greater respect across traditions .

England must avoid defeat in the fifth Test at The Oval to seal the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. For India, drawing or bettering the match secures at least a series draw and helps retain the trophy status.