The fourth Test match between England and India at Manchester concluded with controversy surrounding England’s tactics and captain Ben Stokes’ reaction. India, batting in the second innings, faced early setbacks with the quick dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. However, Shubman Gill and company mounted a strong comeback, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar hitting centuries, leading the match towards a draw.
The Jadeja-Sundar partnership was crucial, accumulating 203 runs with remarkable composure. With approximately 90 minutes of play left on the final day, Stokes, seemingly frustrated by the impending draw, offered a handshake to the Indian batters. While India might have accepted earlier, Jadeja and Sundar were close to their individual milestones, making it clear they wished to achieve them.
Consequently, India declined Stokes’ offer, visibly irritating the England captain. This gesture sparked a debate about the ‘spirit of cricket.’ Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar criticized Stokes’ approach, suggesting he missed the bigger picture. On-field exchanges captured by the stump mic highlighted the rising tension. Manjrekar described Stokes as behaving like a ‘spoiled kid,’ pointing out the frustration of the England team. He questioned whether Stokes would have made the same offer if his own batsmen were nearing centuries and putting up a strong fight.