IND vs ENG 4th Test: 'The partnership with KL bhai ignited belief' – Shubman Gill praises team's character
India's cricket team, led by
Shubman Gill
, staged a remarkable final-day turnaround in the fourth Test against England at Manchester on July 27. Starting 311 runs behind after England's massive first innings, India avoided defeat through centuries from Gill,
Ravindra Jadeja
, and
Washington Sundar
, keeping their hopes alive to level the five-match series.
The Indian comeback began after losing two early wickets, with Gill and
KL Rahul
putting together a crucial 188-run partnership. Rahul contributed 90 runs before Jadeja and Washington took control of the proceedings.
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"To be able to have that same mindset for 140 overs is very difficult, and that is what differentiates a good team from a great team, and I think we showed that today, that is why we are a great team," Gill told BCCI TV.
"Zero for two and then the partnership between me and KL bhai, I think that's what ignited the belief that yes, we can achieve this task. Extremely, extremely happy. To be able to get a draw from the position that we were in yesterday is extremely satisfying," he added.
The 25-year-old Gill, captaining the Test team for the first time, has accumulated 700 runs in the series with four centuries, including a double hundred.
He considers this innings his most satisfying performance.
"I think this inning of mine was the most pleasing to me," Gill said.
After Gill's dismissal, Jadeja and Washington displayed remarkable resilience, forming an unbeaten partnership of 223 runs to save the match.
"When Jaddu bhai and Washy were batting, it was not easy. The ball was doing something but the way they both batted, so calmly.. and to be able to get a Test century from there is when you realise how big an achievement it is," Gill praised his teammates.
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For Washington, the innings marked his first Test century, making it particularly special.
"I think this hundred really means a lot and I'd genuinely love to dedicate this to my family because they've been extremely supportive throughout my time playing cricket right from day one. So, it definitely means a lot, a lot more for them," Washington said.
Washington acknowledged Jadeja's experienced presence during their partnership.
"Jaddu bhai really played out those crucial spells, spinners were also getting a lot of purchase. So, we just wanted to focus really hard on watching the ball and it's just really special to have actually drawn this game," Washington said.
"This draw really means a lot for the whole setup and I'm sure this game is going to give us a lot more confidence," he added.
England maintains their lead in the series at 2-1 as both teams prepare for the final Test in London starting Thursday.
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