Can Sundar and Jadeja's Unbeaten Fifties Propel India to Victory?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sundar and Jadeja's partnership proved essential for India's lead.
- The batting depth of India was showcased in a high-pressure situation.
- India's performance in the second session was commendable, scoring 98 runs without losing a wicket.
- The match remains competitive with potential outcomes still undecided.
- Both players' fifties highlight their individual skills and team spirit.
Manchester, July 27 (NationPress) Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja displayed remarkable resilience by scoring unbeaten fifties while forging an essential unbroken century partnership for the fifth wicket. This effort allowed India to seize a narrow 11-run lead over England in the fourth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Entering the second session with an 88-run deficit and six wickets remaining, Sundar and Jadeja stepped up to the challenge. Their combined score of 57 and 53, respectively, helped India accumulate 98 runs in a session devoid of wickets, inching them closer to a potential draw in this crucial Test match.
The session kicked off with Sundar, elevated to number five, resuming on 21 and quickly finding boundaries off Jofra Archer. Jadeja, who survived a drop on his very first ball, found his rhythm with a flick for four off Archer.
Despite some impressive deliveries from Liam Dawson, Jadeja capitalized on the opportunities, hitting him for a four before edging another boundary off Joe Root. Sundar reached his fifth Test fifty in spectacular fashion, launching Ben Stokes for a six and then following it up with a four.
Just three balls later, Jadeja brought up his fifth fifty of the series with a boundary off Stokes, celebrating with his iconic sword-like gesture after benefitting from a misfield by Zak Crawley. With India taking the lead, the threat of an innings defeat was averted. Sundar chipped a boundary off Root, marking the century of their partnership as the tea break approached.
Brief Scores: India 358 and 322/4 in 118 overs (Shubman Gill 103, KL Rahul 90; Chris Woakes 2-57, Ben Stokes 1-34) lead England 669 in 157.1 overs (Joe Root 150; Ravindra Jadeja 4-143) by 11 runs