The fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford in Manchester concluded in a draw, but not without a healthy dose of drama and controversy. With the series on the line, the final day saw India mounting a remarkable comeback, led by gritty centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. However, it was an incident in the final hour that sparked debate: the Indian duo's refusal to accept England captain Ben Stokes' offer of a handshake to end the match.
As the final hour of play approached, with Jadeja and Sundar batting resolutely and nearing their respective centuries, Stokes approached the umpires and the Indian batsmen with an offer to shake hands and call it a draw. With a draw seeming like the most probable outcome, Test matches are often called off when captains agree, but Jadeja and Sundar declined the offer. Both players were in their 80s at the time, and seemingly determined to reach their three-figure scores. This decision visibly frustrated Stokes and some of the English players.
Following the match, India captain Shubman Gill addressed the situation with an unapologetic stance, backing his teammates' decision. Gill stated that Jadeja and Sundar "deserved to get to their centuries" after their brilliant performance under pressure. He commended their resilience and stated that the decision ultimately rested with the batsmen at the crease.
The incident quickly became a talking point, with opinions divided among fans and pundits. Some felt that Jadeja and Sundar's refusal was unsportsmanlike, especially given the unlikelihood of a result other than a draw. Others, however, supported the Indian duo's decision, arguing that they had earned the right to continue batting and achieve personal milestones after saving the match for their team.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports emerged that Stokes avoided shaking hands with Jadeja after the match, further highlighting the tension between the two sides. While it's not uncommon for captains to offer a handshake when a draw is inevitable, the timing and circumstances of Stokes' offer were questioned by some. Some observers noted that England may have been trying to force a draw prematurely, perhaps sensing the growing confidence of the Indian batsmen.
The decision by Jadeja and Sundar was within the laws of the game, as both captains must agree to a draw. India, having fought back from a precarious position, were well within their rights to continue batting. The partnership between Jadeja and Sundar was indeed remarkable, as they combined to put on 203 runs off 332 deliveries, setting a record for the most balls faced by an Indian pair batting at number 5 or lower in England. Jadeja completed his century, reaching his third Test ton, while Sundar also achieved his century.
Ultimately, the fourth Test ended in a draw, leaving the series at 2-1 in favor of England. The handshake controversy, however, added an extra layer of intrigue to the contest and sparked debate about sportsmanship, the pursuit of personal milestones, and the unwritten rules of cricket. With one Test remaining, the series is still up for grabs, and the tension between the two sides is palpable.
