Stokes Offers Draw as India’s Jadeja and Sundar Shine in Manchester

In a dramatic conclusion to the Manchester Test, England’s captain Ben Stokes proposed a draw to the Indian side, which was firmly declined by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. With the score at 386 for 4 and India leading by 75 runs, Stokes approached the umpires to offer a handshake, recognizing that a victory for England was increasingly unlikely as the match approached its final hour.

As the two Indian all-rounders stood at the crease, they made it clear they intended to continue their innings. The decision came as a surprise, especially with Shubman Gill watching from the dressing room, maintaining a stoic demeanor. Stokes, visibly frustrated by India’s stance, was seen shaking his head after discussions with the umpires and the two batters, indicating his belief that a draw would have been a reasonable conclusion.

India pushed on, with both Jadeja and Sundar reaching their centuries as the match unfolded. Jadeja marked his achievement with his signature sword celebration, while Sundar celebrated his maiden Test hundred. Together, they built an impressive unbroken partnership of 203 runs for the fifth wicket, significantly bolstering India’s position.

With only 15 overs remaining in the match, England was compelled to bowl an additional five overs, enabling the duo to reach their respective milestones. The England side, perhaps hoping to expedite the conclusion, brought on Harry Brook to bowl in a less than traditional manner, allowing the Indian batters to find the boundary with ease. During this phase, Stokes and Ben Duckett engaged in a running commentary with Jadeja and Sundar, a move that drew criticism from former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating at the time.

“Jaddu, you want to get a Test hundred against Harry Brook and Joe Root?” Stokes was heard saying on the stump microphone, which triggered an irate response from Gavaskar, emphasizing the importance of the moment for the Indian players.

The match concluded when Sundar brought up his maiden hundred with a boundary at the end of the 143rd over. Both teams then shook hands, bringing an end to an engaging contest. This match showcased not only the resilience of the Indian team but also the spirit of sportsmanship that is fundamental to the game.

As the dust settles on this Test, Jadeja and Sundar’s performances will undoubtedly be remembered, marking a significant chapter in this ongoing series between England and India.