India's remarkable rearguard, powered by gritty centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, denied England victory in a tense Manchester Test that ended in controversy over an unaccepted offer for a draw.
The Day 5 began with India still 137 runs adrift and eight wickets in hand, staring at defeat after trailing by 311 in the first innings. But led by captain Shubman Gill's composure and later the unyielding Jadeja-Sundar partnership, India clawed their way to safety in a match that veered from attritional to acrimonious.
Gill (103), adding to his stellar series tally, combined with KL Rahul (90) to blunt England's attack through the morning. Rahul's dismissal to Ben Stokes shortly before lunch left India 88 behind, but Gill's hundred—his fourth of the series—brought calm and history. He became only the third captain in Test history to notch four centuries in a single series -- joining the iconic Sir Donald Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar in an elite club.
When Jofra Archer finally nicked Gill off post-lunch, England scented blood. But Jadeja and Sundar had other plans. Across 50 overs of stubborn defiance, they rebuilt with care, reaching tea with India 11 runs ahead. From there, the pair shifted gears.
Jadeja's century—his trademark sword celebration flashing—came first, followed swiftly by Sundar's maiden Test ton, a cathartic moment for a player who had twice been stranded in the 90s earlier in his career.
Their unbroken 203-run stand ensured India finished on 425-4, 75 ahead, before both captains finally shook hands with just over 15 overs remaining.
Yet, the draw's conclusion was anything but routine.
With Jadeja on 89 not out and Sundar on 80 not out, Stokes approached Gill to offer a draw with 15 overs left, only to be politely declined. England's irritation was palpable. Zak Crawley called it "embarrassing," while stump mics caught verbal jibes aimed at Jadeja. "If you really wanted a hundred…" Stokes was overheard telling Jadeja.
But India held firm. "Would Stokes have walked off if roles were reversed?" commentator Sanjay Manjrekar asked.
"You've got two batters on the brink of hundreds after saving a Test—they've earned that right."
England's frustration was compounded by missed chances. Root shelled Jadeja at slip on 93, while Gill survived drops on 46 and 81. Their bowlers, already running on fumes after four grinding Tests, managed only five chances across India's last 80 overs despite favorable rough and a hard Dukes ball.
For Stokes, whose five-wicket haul and first Test century in eight years earned him Player of the Match, the stalemate was bittersweet. "You've got to work really hard for rewards on pitches like this," he admitted. "The lads are shattered. We tried different plans, fields, even reverse swing, but India stuck in."
The row over milestones, however, overshadowed England's toil. Critics questioned why Stokes persisted with moral posturing over cricket's written rules. India's decision was well within regulations: a game cannot end without overs bowled or both captains agreeing. For Gill, rewarding his heroes mattered: "They batted a day to save us. Let them enjoy their moment."
Beyond the theatrics, India's escape leaves the series alive at 2-1 heading to The Oval. Jadeja's 107 not out, Sundar's maiden 101 not out, and Gill's fourth century underscored their grit in the absence of injured star Rishabh Pant. For England, bowling fatigue and a thin pace rotation loom ahead of a must-win decider.
In the end, Manchester will be remembered for India's resilience-- and a storm over handshakes that turned a stalemate into Test cricket's latest talking point.
