Former England captain Nasser Hussain has slammed Ben Stokes for his controversial reaction at the end of the drawn fourth Test in Manchester, calling it “silly” and unnecessary. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were at the center of a heroic effort that denied England a win and helped India force a draw, keeping the series alive heading into the final Test at The Oval.
On Day 5, Jadeja was in the 90s and Sundar in the 80s when Stokes approached them with a handshake offer to call the match off. However, both batters declined, focused on reaching their personal milestones after guiding India out of danger. In a move that drew criticism, Stokes handed the ball to part-timer Harry Brook, who bowled soft, half-hearted deliveries. Jadeja quickly reached his fifth Test hundred, followed by Sundar’s maiden century a few overs later.
Hussain Defends Indian Duo, Praises India’s Fightback
Speaking to Sky Cricket, Hussain made it clear he saw nothing wrong in Jadeja and Sundar continuing their innings to reach centuries. “They worked hard, they wanted their Test match hundreds. It looked a bit silly from England in the end. Stokes didn’t need to give the ball to Brook,” he said.
Hussain also praised India’s overall resilience after starting Day 4 at 0/2. A solid 188-run partnership between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul laid the foundation before Jadeja and Sundar shut the door on England. He acknowledged that this was only the second draw England had experienced under the aggressive Bazball approach, and the first not influenced by rain.
“All credit to India. This was a draw earned by two brilliant left-handers who stood tall when it mattered the most,” Hussain added.
As India and England now head into the decider at The Oval, the dramatic finish in Manchester sets up a tense and exciting series finale.
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