On a tense Day 5 at the Manchester Test, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar forged an unyielding partnership, defiantly steering India to a hard-fought draw. With the series poised at 2-1 and one match left, this enthralling India-England clash has already shattered numerous records, cementing its place in cricket lore.

Shubman Gill’s Historic Captaincy

Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time in a Test series, became the first player to score four centuries in a Test series as a debutant captain. His fearless batting, combined with astute leadership, has been a revelation. Gill’s centuries, each crafted under pressure, showcased his ability to anchor innings while accelerating when needed.

A Century-Fest in England

The series has been a run-scoring extravaganza, with a staggering 18 centuries recorded, setting a new benchmark for the most centuries in an England home Test series. This remarkable feat reflects the batting-friendly pitches and the aggressive mindset of both teams. From India’s top order to England’s middle order, batters have consistently capitalised on conditions, turning matches into high-scoring thrillers.

Joe Root’s Mastery Over India

England’s Joe Root has been a thorn in India’s side, scoring his 12th Test century against them, the highest by any batter against the Indian team. Root’s elegant strokeplay and impeccable technique have dismantled India’s bowling attack repeatedly.

Ben Stokes Joins an Elite Club

Ben Stokes achieved a rare milestone, becoming only the third player in Test history to amass 7,000 runs and 200 wickets, joining the legendary Jacques Kallis and Garfield Sobers. Stokes’ all-round brilliance has been pivotal for England, with his aggressive batting and relentless bowling turning matches in their favour.

England’s Bowlers Under Pressure

English bowlers have faced a torrid time, conceding an astonishing 797 runs per Test on average, the highest-ever in a Test series. India’s formidable batting lineup, led by Gill, KL Rahul, and Rohit Sharma, has put England’s attack to the sword.

Jadeja’s All-Round Brilliance Abroad

Ravindra Jadeja became the first Indian to score 1,000 runs and claim over 30 wickets in an away country, a testament to his all-round prowess. His gritty performances in England, including a crucial century in the Manchester Test and consistent wicket-taking spells, have been instrumental in India’s resilience.

Bumrah Matches Ishant’s Record

Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s bowling spearhead, equalling Ishant Sharma’s tally of 51 wickets in England to become India’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the country. Bumrah’s fiery pace and unplayable yorkers have troubled England’s batters throughout the series. His five-wicket haul in the second Test at Lord’s was a masterclass in fast bowling.

Root Chases Tendulkar

Joe Root’s prolific form saw him surpass Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar. Root’s tally, boosted by his performances in this series, reflects his consistency and hunger for runs.

KL Rahul’s Historic Milestone

KL Rahul became the first Indian opener in nearly five decades to score 500 runs in an away Test series, a feat last achieved by Sunil Gavaskar. Rahul’s elegant strokeplay and resolute defence have been crucial for India, with his 512 runs including two centuries and three fifties.

India’s Big Scores

India have been in scintillating form with the bat, scoring 350+ runs on seven occasions in the series, the most by any team in a single Test series. These mammoth totals, driven by contributions from Gill, Rahul, and others, have put England’s bowlers under relentless pressure.