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Team India pulled off a remarkable escape in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, forcing a hard-fought draw against England. Trailing in the match and facing pressure heading into the final day, India turned the tables with an exceptional batting performance. Shubman Gill led from the front with a gritty century, while Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar stitched together an unbeaten 203-run stand for the fifth wicket. Both Jadeja and Sundar went on to score brilliant centuries and blunted England’s hopes of a series-clinching win. Their composure and determination ensured India finished on 425/4, denying the hosts any chance of forcing a result.
Ben Stokes under fire for his premature draw gesture
With England unable to break the Jadeja-Sundar stand and the Indian pair nearing individual milestones, their captain Ben Stokes walked up to the batters with a gesture suggesting an early end to the match. However, the Indian duo declined the offer, choosing instead to carry on and complete their centuries. Stokes appeared visibly frustrated by the refusal, shaking his head and showing clear signs of agitation on the field.
This act did not sit well with fans or experts, who questioned the England skipper’s sportsmanship and temperament, especially given how dominant England were in the early stages of the match. Critics pointed out that such gestures undermine the competitive spirit of the game, especially when the opposition is showcasing resilience.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Ben Stokes responds to shake hand drama on Day 5 of Manchester Test
Why Sanjay Manjrekar termed Stokes a ‘spoiled kid’?
Veteran commentator and former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t hold back in his criticism of Stokes. Speaking on JioHotstar post-match, Manjrekar labelled Stokes as a ‘spoiled kid’, calling out his inability to handle situations that didn’t go England’s way. Manjrekar further elaborated that Stokes seemed visibly annoyed when his early handshake offer was rejected.
“In the end, what you saw was Ben Stokes frustrated, not used to the kind of result. Very rarely has there been a draw under Bazball, and this one came without any weather interruption — all because of India’s grit. Jadeja and Sundar had worked incredibly hard to get close to their centuries. There was no way they were going to accept a draw before achieving that. Stokes’ reaction showed a lack of grace. He behaved like a spoiled sport and a spoiled kid,” said Manjrekar.
According to Manjrekar, the draw revealed England’s frustration against a fearless Indian side and highlighted how the visitors had rattled England’s leadership and mindset.
“Ben Stokes will rue what he has done. But it tells you exactly how frustrated England are, and all this is only because of the kind of fight this new-age Indian batting has put up,” added Manjrekar.
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