From Old Trafford To Sydney: India’s Greatest Escapes In Test Cricket

In the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, 2025, India found themselves teetering after conceding a monumental 311-run first-innings lead to England.

But in a show of grit, resilience, and iron-willed defiance, the team clawed their way back to salvage a draw. Led by centuries from Ravindra Jadeja (107), Washington Sundar (101), Shubman Gill (103), and a composed 90 from KL Rahul, India batted out the final innings with poise.

The draw kept them alive in the five-match series, trailing 1-2. This wasn’t the first time India had performed a great escape in Test cricket.

Here's a look back at some of India's most unforgettable Test match saves since 2000:

Gqeberha, 2001-02 – The Light That Saved India

After being dismissed for 131 in their first innings, India were left chasing 395 against a ferocious South African pace attack. On the final day, Deep Dasgupta (63 off 281 balls) and Rahul Dravid (87 off 241) batted for more than 80 overs to frustrate the hosts. Though both fell late in the day, bad light forced an early end and saved India from certain defeat.

Nottingham, 2002 – Middle Order Miracle

India crumbled early in their second innings but found heroes in Rahul Dravid (115), Sachin Tendulkar (92), and Sourav Ganguly (99), who steadied the innings. Yet it was 17-year-old Parthiv Patel, unbeaten on 19 off 60 balls, who held on for 84 minutes to secure the draw.

Kolkata, 2002-03 – VVS And Sachin’s Masterclass

Trailing by 139 runs, India slumped to 49 for 3 before Sachin Tendulkar (176) took charge. VVS Laxman (154 off 396)* returned to Eden Gardens with another epic and ensured India batted out the final day.

Lord’s, 2007 – Rain To The Rescue

England were one wicket away from victory when rain saved India. MS Dhoni (76)* had led a counterattack, and with Sreesanth surviving an lbw scare, the match was called off just five minutes before tea due to poor light.

Napier, 2008-09 – Gambhir's Epic Stand

India followed on 314 runs behind New Zealand, with nearly seven sessions left. Gautam Gambhir batted for 643 minutes, scoring 137 from 436 balls. Contributions from Dravid, Tendulkar, and Laxman (124)* saw India through 180 overs, their longest second-innings effort in modern Test history.

Ahmedabad, 2010-11 – Harbhajan Joins The Rescue Act

After over 900 runs in the first three days, Chris Martin triggered a shocking Indian collapse to 15 for 5. But VVS Laxman and Harbhajan Singh (maiden Test century) batted 54 overs together, denying New Zealand a famous win.

Sydney, 2014-15 – Rahane and Bhuvi’s Late Blockade

India were six down with 20 overs left. Ajinkya Rahane (38 off 88)* and Bhuvneshwar Kumar blocked out the fading light and rising tension to survive on a crumbling SCG surface.

Sydney, 2020-21 – Ashwin And Vihari's Bravery

In what was perhaps the grittiest of them all, R Ashwin (39 off 128)* and Hanuma Vihari (23 off 161)* batted through severe pain and Australian hostility. Vihari had a torn hamstring; Ashwin’s back was seizing up. Together, they faced 259 balls to save the match—and set the tone for India’s historic win at the Gabba later.