Bhubaneswar, Jul 28: They say: “When there’s hope, there is life, and where is will, there is a way.” It’s a strong statement, but it’s easier said than done.

People often find themselves in a position where they find two paths, each leading to different destination. Here, there is nothing right or wrong about your choice, it’s about your grit and will. And most importantly, whether you really hope for the positive despite everything is against you.

Team India, had recently found themselves in a similar situation. The recently concluded fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the Old Trafford in Manchester, saw the Shubman Gill-led side were staring at defeat at lunch on Day 4.

Situation: Batting first, India were bundled out for 358, before allowing England to post a mammoth 669, conceding a lead of 311 in the process. If this wasn’t enough, the visitors were down to 0/2 in the very first over of their second essay losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and first innings half-centurion B Sai Sudharsan for naught.

At that point of time, it was clear as daylight that India opened the door to defeat. However, as we say — “When there’s hope, there is life, and where is will, there is a way” — senior campaigner KL Rahul and skipper Gill came to the rescue. The duo showed why they are considered by many “a class apart”.

Their 188-run stand gave India a much-needed confidence that they can pull out something miraculous in Manchester. Later it was all Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar — two spin-bowling all-rounders with one at the twilight of his career and another is just getting started. Their unbroken 203-run partnership, and most importantly the 391 balls (65.1 overs) they faced, was enough to demoralise the home team.

Team England’s frustration was clearly visible during the last hour of play when their skipper Ben Stokes had an argument with Jadeja to shake hands and draw the match. Tensions flared. However, Jadeja stayed firm in his and the team’s stance that they will shake hands only after the duo reaches their three-figure milestones considering both the batters were in their 80s.

And that’s what happened. Once Sundar completed his maiden Test ton, the players shook hands and the match ended in an entertaining draw. But by then, England bowlers had already sweated out a lot. And why not? They had to bowl and field for 143 overs — around a day-and-a half.

Nevertheless, it will definitely go down as one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Test history. The result has set up a thrilling finale at The Oval, with India needing a win to level the series. The Manchester Test will be remembered not just for its cricketing grit, but for the emotional resilience and drama that unfolded on the field.

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