Gill Shatters Bradman’s 87-Year Record with Fourth Century in England Test Series
Indian captain Shubman Gill delivered a record-breaking performance during the fourth Test of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester, leading India to a remarkable draw after being forced to follow on with a 311-run deficit.
Gill scored a resilient 103 off 238 deliveries, marking his fourth century of the series. His stellar knock anchored a crucial 188-run partnership with KL Rahul (90). India’s fightback was further bolstered by unbeaten centuries from Washington Sundar (101)* and *Ravindra Jadeja (107)**, ensuring India’s survival and setting the stage for a thrilling finale at The Oval.
🏏 Historic Feat by Gill
Gill became the first player in Test history to score four centuries as a visiting captain in a single series — a record previously held by Don Bradman, who scored three centuries in England in 1938. Gill also joins Sunil Gavaskar and Bradman as only the third captain to achieve four tons in a series, but he is the first to do so away from home.
📊 Most Centuries by a Visiting Captain in a Test Series
| Player | Centuries | Team | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | 4 | India | England | 2025 |
| Don Bradman | 3 | Australia | England | 1938 |
| Gary Sobers | 3 | West Indies | England | 1966 |
| Virat Kohli | 3 | India | Australia | 2014–15 |
| Steve Smith | 3 | Australia | India | 2017 |
Gill’s 722 runs in four Tests at an average of 90.25 equals the highest by a visiting captain in a series, matching Gary Sobers’ tally from 1966. His double-ton (269) and 161 in the Edgbaston Test alone contributed to his colossal run tally. He began the series with 147 at Leeds.
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Gill is now:
- The third Indian after Sunil Gavaskar and Yashasvi Jaiswal to score 700+ runs in a Test series
- The joint-most centuries in a series (4) by an Indian alongside Gavaskar and Kohli
- Only the second visiting batter after Bradman to notch four tons against England in a single series
Conclusion:
Shubman Gill’s historic run in the 2025 England series is redefining Indian Test cricket records and global milestones. As the final Test looms, the young skipper’s heroics have not only kept India alive in the series but also placed him alongside some of the greatest names in cricketing history.
