“Did Not Want” – Ben Stokes Reveals Why He Offered Draw to India When Jadeja, Sundar Neared 100s
Ben Stokes reveals why he asked India to end Manchester Test early as Jadeja and Sundar neared hundreds in drawn match.
The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford ended in a draw, but not before a heated moment involving England captain Ben Stokes and Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
With both players in the 90s, and the match heading towards a certain draw, Stokes approached them and asked if they would agree to call off play early. The answer was no.
As the game entered its final half-hour, Stokes walked up to the umpires and the two batters, requesting an early end. India, however, decided to bat on. Both Jadeja and Sundar were chasing personal milestones, and they got there.
Stokes, clearly unhappy, turned to Jadeja and reportedly said, “You want to get a hundred against Harry Brook?” Soon after, England’s front-line bowlers were rested. Part-timers Harry Brook and Joe Root were brought in to bowl out the remaining overs.
Stokes Explains the Move
Speaking after the match, Stokes explained his thinking. He said the game had only one result left, a draw, and he didn’t want to risk overworking his bowlers before the final Test at The Oval.
“I think all the hard work was done by India. They both played incredibly well,” Stokes said at the post-match presentation. “There was absolutely no chance I was going to risk any of my big fast bowlers with one more game to go.”
He also mentioned that spinner Liam Dawson had bowled a heavy spell and was beginning to cramp.
“His body started to get tired, so I wasn’t risking any of my front-line bowlers for that last half an hour,” he added.
Jadeja and Sundar’s Effort Saves the Day
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were the stars of the final session. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 203-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Sundar brought up his maiden Test century, while Jadeja scored his first ton of the series. Earlier, Shubman Gill had scored his fourth century of the series, while KL Rahul missed out on one after falling for 90.
England still lead the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-1, but India’s resistance in Manchester means everything is now on the line heading into the final Test at The Oval.
“You’ve got to give them a lot of credit,” Stokes said. “They were under pressure and played really well.”
