Jadeja and Washington Lead India’s Gritty Resistance on Day 5, Keep Draw Hopes Alive

London, July 27 – India clawed their way back into contention for a hard-fought draw in the fourth Test as Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja batted with grit and composure on day five. Their unbeaten half-centuries frustrated England and lifted India to 322 for four at tea, giving the visitors a slender 11-run lead.

Washington Sundar (58* off 139) and Ravindra Jadeja (53* off 102) shared an unbroken stand that added 99 runs in a wicket-less afternoon session. Their dogged effort not only steadied India’s innings but also dented England’s morale, which had surged after a strong morning spell by Ben Stokes.

Stokes, who appeared threatening with an eight-over burst before lunch, was less effective in his second spell. In one expensive over, Washington smashed him for a six and a four to reach his half-century. Jadeja followed with a crisp cut shot to notch up his own fifty his fifth in six innings.

The pitch, wearing but now playing truer with an older second new ball (38 overs old), made life easier for the batters. England’s bowlers, particularly spinner Liam Dawson (0/70 in 39 overs), struggled to make an impact against the left-hand duo. Jofra Archer too couldn’t find a breakthrough after lunch.

India’s late fightback was necessary after they lost KL Rahul earlier in the morning. Shubman Gill had earlier held firm with a valiant century, but Rahul’s dismissal to Stokes left India vulnerable at 223 for four by lunch. With Rishabh Pant injured and little batting to follow, it remains to be seen if the lower order can help salvage a draw.