India Tour of England 2025 – 4th Test Match Review, Highlights & Key Performances
Table of Contents
Introduction
The 4th Test of the much-anticipated India Tour of England 2025, held at Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 to 27, delivered one of the most gripping draws in recent cricket history. With England leading the series 2-1, the hosts were hoping to seal the series. But India had other plans.
This Test was a rollercoaster—from massive first-innings scores and powerful performances to a fifth-day comeback filled with grit, strategy, and even controversy. Let’s dive deep into the match highlights, player contributions, turning points, and what’s next for both teams in this five-match series.
Day-Wise Match Summary
Day 1: England Take Control
England won the toss and chose to bat first. The decision paid off well as the top order settled in quickly. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave a strong start, while Joe Root and Ben Stokes led the charge with centuries.
- Joe Root: 150 (Top scorer)
- Ben Stokes: 141, showing complete command despite back pain
- England ended Day 1 in a dominant position, already crossing the 350-mark.
Day 2: England Post Mammoth Total
England continued the onslaught, finishing with a massive 669 all out. Indian bowlers had very little to celebrate, with wickets falling only after heavy damage.
- India’s bowling lacked penetration, and catches were dropped at crucial moments.
- England looked to be on the front foot for an early finish.
Day 3: India Struggle Under Pressure
India’s first innings was marked by a few solid individual performances but lacked consistency.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) and Sai Sudharsan (61) gave a promising start.
- Middle-order collapsed quickly, and Ben Stokes took a surprise 5-wicket haul (5/72).
- India were bowled out for 358, trailing by 311 runs.
Day 4: Fightback Begins
India followed on but showed more discipline and patience. The top order, led by Shubman Gill (103) and KL Rahul (90), resisted well. They put on a crucial 150+ run partnership to stabilize the innings.
- India reached stumps at 310/4, still behind, but signs of a potential draw started to emerge.
Day 5: Great Wall of Resilience
India pulled off a stunning survival act on Day 5. The pitch had eased out, but England’s bowlers were relentless. Still, India stood tall.
- Ravindra Jadeja (107* off 185 balls) and Washington Sundar (101* off 206 balls) formed a historic 203-run unbeaten partnership.
- Washington Sundar’s maiden Test century became one of the biggest highlights of the match, showcasing his temperament and class under pressure.
- India declared at 425/4, forcing a draw and keeping the series alive.
Top Performers of the Match
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Joe Root | 150 (1st innings) |
| Ben Stokes | 141 (bat) + 5/72 (ball) – Player of the Match |
| Shubman Gill | 103 (captain’s innings under pressure) |
| KL Rahul | 90 (calm under pressure) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 107* (match-saving century) |
| Washington Sundar | 101* (maiden Test century) |
Key Moments of the Match
- Ben Stokes’ All-Round Masterclass: Scored a commanding 141 and took a five-wicket haul to dominate India in the first innings.
- Joe Root’s 150: A classic knock that strengthened England’s giant first-innings total.
- India’s 311-run Deficit: A rare moment where India faced massive pressure on foreign soil.
- Shubman Gill’s Captain’s Knock: A composed 103 that steadied India’s second innings.
- KL Rahul’s Return to Form: Scored 90 in a gritty innings that blunted England’s pace.
- Jadeja & Sundar’s Unbeaten Stand: Their 203-run partnership went into record books as one of the most resilient comebacks.
- Washington Sundar’s Maiden Test Century: A key personal milestone and a major boost to India’s middle-order confidence.
- Handshake Controversy: India declined England’s late draw offer, allowing Sundar and Jadeja to complete their centuries.
Controversies & Drama
A major talking point was the “handshake drama” on Day 5.
- With 15 minutes left, England offered a draw when Jadeja and Sundar were in the 90s.
- India declined, aiming to let both players complete their centuries.
- England appeared visibly upset, especially Harry Brook, who mockingly clapped after the milestones were reached.
- Pundits like Harsha Bhogle supported India’s decision to prioritize individual achievements after five tough days.
What the Result Means for the Series
With this draw:
- England still lead the series 2-1
- India must win the 5th Test at The Oval to level the series
- England needs only a draw in the final match to clinch the series at home
This outcome has raised the stakes for the final Test, with both teams looking strong in patches but inconsistent across sessions.
What Fans & Experts Are Saying
- Fans praised Sundar’s patience and Jadeja’s calmness.
- Experts criticized England’s failure to break a tiring Indian tail.
- Selectors are now under pressure to retain Sundar and rotate England’s fast bowlers for The Oval clash.
Looking Ahead: The 5th Test at The Oval
The fifth and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin on August 2nd, 2025, at The Oval, London. With the series hanging in balance, the excitement is sky-high.
- Can India complete a sensational comeback and level the series 2-2?
- Will England hold their nerve and win a historic home series against India?
- Team combinations, weather conditions, and pressure moments will play a crucial role.
All eyes will now be on The Oval for what promises to be an epic decider in one of the most dramatic Test series in recent memory.
Conclusion
The 4th Test of the India Tour of England 2025 wasn’t just a draw — it was a statement of courage, strategy, and individual brilliance. India, written off after Day 2, fought back hard and reminded the world of their depth and resilience. The final Test at The Oval now becomes the series decider, with emotions, pride, and history on the line.
Stay tuned as we bring you all the updates from the thrilling conclusion of this epic Test series!
FAQs
Q. Who won the 4th Test between India and England in 2025?
→ The match ended in a draw.
Q. Who was the Player of the Match?
→ Ben Stokes for his 141 and 5-wicket haul.
Q. What is the series score now?
→ England leads 2-1 after four Tests.
Q. When and where is the 5th Test scheduled?
→ The final Test will be played at The Oval, London, from August 2, 2025.
Sources: @indiancricketteam | @icc
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