Test cricket is defined by fight. That’s what India showed on Day 5 at Old Trafford. A kind of dogged determination that lights up a series and lives in fan memory for years on end. And that’s what the Indian batting unit was asked to do on Sunday. The bowling in this match was below par and it was clearly hurting India. With the top two getting out for nothing, the contribution from the middle and lower-middle order assumed enormous significance. That’s what we finally got to watch at Old Trafford.
At 222-4 most Indian fans had given up hope. With five hours of play still left, the fear was real. Another collapse, and all of a sudden, England would start to smell victory. The deficit was still close to a 100 and everything seemed grim at Lunch. The fight shown by KL Rahul and Shubman Gill would go in vain and the series would go downhill.
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That’s when Sundar and Jadeja paired up. No panic and, in fact, enjoying the challenge. Archer and Carse tried to intimidate, but neither of the batters flinched an inch. When the bowlers erred, Sundar dispatched him over fine leg for a six. It was a shot of intent and one that exemplified how India’s new generation wasn’t there to be overawed.
Soon after, Jadeja got into the act. Offering a straight bat to Dawson for most of his innings, he then took the attack to him with a wonderful straight drive and a lofted hit over mid wicket. And as India started to come close to the lead, England started feeling the tension. Carse bowled a long spell and one could sense something had to give. Each run was cheered by the Indian change room and with time running out for England the animation from the likes of Gill, Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir was something to behold.
Finally, it happened. Around 5:30 pm local time it was apparent that England was throwing in the towel. Jadeja thumped his chest and seemed all pumped up.
While the series isn’t over yet, the truth is India will now fancy a dramatic comeback from here. Much like the R Ashwin-Hanuma Vihari heist in Sydney in 2021, the Jadeja-Sundar partnership in Manchester has set up the final Test. In 2021, India came back after Sydney to win in Brisbane and seal the series. Time will tell what will happen this time round.
One thing, however, is certain. With this draw India will take a lot away from the game. For Gill, who has had a forgettable match as captain, it will be a huge confidence boost. If he was unlucky with injuries to his key players, lady luck indeed smiled on him Day 5.
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