Drama at Manchester: Ravindra Jadeja-Washington Sundar refuse Ben Stokes request to end match before slamming 100s

Ben Stokes unimpressed as Ravindra Jadeja denies to shake hands during Manchester Test.

In a rare and intriguing moment of Test cricket drama, England captain Ben Stokes walked up to Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar on the final day of the fourth Test, offering to shake hands and settle for a draw after the visitors battled throughout the day to deny England the win. But what seemed like a routine gesture in the spirit of the game was declined by the Indian pair — a decision that left Stokes visibly surprised and unhappy.

With India well past the danger zone and the match drifting toward a stalemate, Stokes approached the crease during a break in play, presumably hoping to conserve energy for his bowlers ahead of the fifth and final Test, scheduled just three days later.

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However, Jadeja and Sundar appeared to have other plans. Both batters were closing in on personal milestones — Test centuries — and opted to continue batting rather than settle for the handshake.

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The camera captured Stokes' bemused reaction as he shook his head and walked back. The refusal was not just about personal landmarks; it also served a subtle strategic purpose — extending England's time in the field and physically taxing the bowlers with the next Test fast approaching.

Drinks were called soon after, and the game continued. While some may argue that batting on in a drawn match for personal achievements goes against the spirit of the game, others would say it was well within the players' rights to make the most of their opportunity — especially after contributing significantly to what had seemed an unwinnable situation.

In the end, Jadeja and Sundar did get their hundreds, and India walked away with a hard-earned draw — but not before a small moment of theatre that added another layer to an already gripping series.

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