Ben Stokes, England’s star captain and top performer of the ongoing Test series, let frustration get the better of him on the final day of the fourth Test against India in Manchester. With India recovering from a 311-run deficit, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar stitched together a resilient partnership that not only saved the match but also pushed India to a strong position.
Stokes had offered a handshake as part of the traditional draw agreement during the final hour of play, but Jadeja, batting on 89, politely declined. His partner Sundar was on 80, and both batters were within reach of well-deserved Test centuries. Rather than settling for a draw at that moment, they chose to bat on, aiming for personal milestones after helping India avoid an innings defeat.
Stokes Sparks Debate Over Spirit of Cricket
Stokes didn’t take the refusal lightly. He was heard saying to Jadeja, “If you wanted to get a century, you should have batted like it earlier,” followed by a jibe about scoring a hundred against part-time bowler Harry Brook. While England had the option to bring back frontline bowlers, they chose to bowl with part-timers during the final overs.
At the post-match press conference, Stokes avoided directly answering whether he would allow his own players to bat on for centuries in a similar situation. He emphasized that saving a Test match should be more meaningful than chasing personal milestones, but his comments appeared more as emotional venting than principle.
Cricket fans and analysts have since debated the moment, with many defending Jadeja and Sundar’s right to continue batting. Test hundreds are rare and cherished, especially when earned under pressure. While Stokes’ intensity on the field is commendable, critics believe his behavior in the final moments showed poor sportsmanship.
As the teams gear up for the final Test, the tension from Manchester may well carry forward. One thing is certain—Jadeja, Sundar, and Stokes have added a new chapter to this fiery India-England rivalry.
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