In a dramatic turn during the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Ben Stokes’ handshake offer to end the match in a draw was rejected by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, sparking intense debate over strategy, sportsmanship, and personal milestones.
The Scenario: A Draw Beckons, Milestones Await
With India batting at 386/4 and facing a draw, captain Ben Stokes approached Jadeja and Washington Sundar late on Day 5 to offer a handshake draw. At the time, Jadeja was on 89 and Sundar on 80, closing in on vital individual centuries.
Declining the offer, the Indian duo chose to press on. Stokes promptly handed the ball to part-timer Harry Brook, spurring sarcastic retorts like “Do you want to score a hundred against Brook?” and “You can just shake hands,” from England players, signaling rising frustration.
The Milestone Stand: Jadeja and Sundar Deliver
Jadeja and Washington stitched an unbeaten 203-run partnership over 55 overs, with Jadeja securing his fifth Test century (107*) and Sundar his maiden ton (100*). Their resilience transformed a likely defeat into a resounding draw for India.
England’s earlier dominance, including a first innings score of 669 and an impressive performance by Ben Stokes (141 runs and six wickets), was neutralized by India’s superb counterattack.
Post-Match Tensions: Handshake Snub and Fallout
After the game officially ended, most players exchanged handshakes—but Ben Stokes initially refused to shake hands with Jadeja, though he did later without making eye contact. This act triggered major controversy about sportsmanship and mutual respect on the field.
Former commentators and fans widely criticized Stokes’ behavior as lacking decorum, especially given the mutual respect usually extended at Test match conclusions.
Strategic Disagreement: Victory or Milestones?
Shubman Gill firmly defended the decision to continue batting, saying, “A Test hundred is a Test hundred” and emphasizing that Jadeja and Sundar fully deserved their centuries after saving the match under immense pressure.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir added that if someone from England had the chance to reach a first Test hundred, the same choice would likely have been respected. He questioned whether England would have walked off under similar circumstances.
Stokes, meanwhile, explained he was managing workloads ahead of the final Test at The Oval and didn’t want to overuse frontline bowlers when the draw was inevitable.
Broader Implications: Sportsmanship vs. Competitive Drive
- Sportsmanship vs. tactics: Stokes’ attempt at prematurely calling off the match raises questions about respecting opponents’ right to pursue achievements within the rules.
- Emotional intensity: The refusal and subsequent snub underscored heated emotions in a high-pressure Test series.
- Milestones matter: Jadeja and Sundar’s insistence on batting—not just for India but personal milestones—highlight how individual goals can align with team strategy under duress.
Final Take: A Contested Draw, a Statement Made
England still leads the series 2‑1 heading into the final Test at The Oval, but this fourth Test will be remembered less for the cricket and more for the drama surrounding handshake etiquette, personal pride, and competitive convictions.
Photo Source: Indian Express
