In a gripping fourth Test encounter at Old Trafford, India and England produced a dramatic draw, setting the stage for a mouth-watering finale at The Oval. With the series now tied and tension soaring, cricket legends Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler weighed in on the game’s defining moments — particularly the sensational batting display by Joe Root and Shubman Gill that mirrored the grit of none other than Sachin Tendulkar.
A Draw That Felt Like a Win for India
Despite weather interruptions and England’s home advantage, the Indian team showed immense resilience. With the Test match heading into the final day, the situation demanded character, patience, and precise execution — all of which were delivered in spades by the Indian lineup.
Jos Buttler, speaking in the post-match analysis, highlighted how India’s approach was both calculated and courageous. The way they absorbed pressure and built momentum was reminiscent of classic Test match cricket. He commended the team’s adaptability and spirit, emphasizing that it’s this temperament that has kept the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series alive till the very last Test.
Shubman Gill Channels His Inner Tendulkar
What truly captivated viewers was the performance of Shubman Gill, who played a technically sound and mentally tough innings. Stuart Broad didn’t hesitate to draw comparisons between Gill’s shot selection and that of a young Sachin Tendulkar.
“Gill’s temperament, especially under pressure, was something special. It had shades of Sachin’s Mumbai resilience – the way he left the ball, played late, and waited for his moments,” Broad remarked.
His partnership with Joe Root — who was equally solid and elegant — proved pivotal in denying England a win. The two stitched together a stand that frustrated England’s bowlers and turned the tide towards a result India would take with both hands: a fighting draw.
Joe Root: Master of the Fourth Innings
Root’s class shone through as he matched Gill stroke for stroke, showing why he remains one of the best Test batters of his generation. According to Broad, Root’s calmness under pressure and ability to guide younger batters in tough situations was a throwback to his own memorable partnerships from years gone by.
Buttler added that Root’s ability to read the pitch, rotate the strike, and defend with soft hands in deteriorating conditions was key in deflating India’s final-day bowling surge.
Bowlers Did Their Job — But Weather Had a Say
The match wasn’t without frustrations. The English bowlers, especially James Anderson and Chris Woakes, bowled with fire and consistency. They found reverse swing and troubled both set batters, but the Manchester weather played its part, interrupting crucial phases of play and denying a possible English win.
Still, as Buttler noted, the bowlers “left everything on the field,” and that the match wasn’t lost due to lack of effort — but rather, due to India’s resilience and the elements combining to deny a result.
What’s Next: The Oval Decider
All eyes now turn to The Oval, where the series will be decided. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy hanging in the balance, both teams know they cannot afford errors.
India will be buoyed by their performances in hostile conditions and will aim to seize the momentum. England, meanwhile, must revisit their strategies — especially against the likes of Gill and Root — who now appear battle-hardened for the final showdown.
Final Word
The draw at Old Trafford might not go down as a win in the record books, but India’s fightback led by Gill and Root ensured the spirit of Test cricket was very much alive. As comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar surface once again, it’s clear that new heroes are writing their chapters — and the cricketing world is watching with bated breath as the Oval decider approaches.
