Stokes Offers Early End, India Chooses to Bat On, Deny Centuries to Jadeja and Sundar

Jadeja, Sundar Deny Draw Offer, Bring Up Centuries as India Defy England on Final Day.

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar denied England captain Ben Stokes’ late offer of a draw on Day 5 of the Manchester Test, choosing instead to continue batting and reach their respective centuries. The move, which divided opinion, came with India in a dominant position and ensured the match ended on their terms.

With India at 386 for 4, leading by 75 runs and only 15 overs remaining, Stokes approached the umpires and offered to call off the game. The Indian batters, however, opted to carry on. Jadeja was on 89 and Sundar on 80 at the time.

The pair remained unbeaten, with Jadeja reaching his Test century and Sundar bringing up his maiden ton, taking India to 425 for 4. Their partnership — an unbroken 203-run stand for the fifth wicket — effectively shut the door on any hopes of an England comeback.

Tension on the Field

Ben Stokes, visibly frustrated by the refusal to shake hands, was seen in discussion with the umpires and shaking his head as the match continued. England soon turned to part-time bowlers Harry Brook and Joe Root, allowing the Indian duo to reach their milestones with little resistance.

Stokes was caught on stump mic telling Jadeja, “You want to get a Test hundred against Harry Brook and Joe Root?” — a remark that drew criticism from commentator Sunil Gavaskar, who questioned the sportsmanship behind it.
Manjrekar Criticises, Trott Defends

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar was harsh in his assessment of the England skipper’s response.

“Ben Stokes behaved like a spoilt kid. You can’t expect the game to always go your way,” Manjrekar said. “He didn’t like that the Indian batters stayed on for their hundreds — but that’s within the rules.”

On the other hand, former England batter Jonathan Trott defended Stokes, saying the England camp would have acted differently. “From Stokes’ perspective, only one result was possible. He wanted to move on to London. Had roles been reversed, England might have walked off.”

India’s Fightback Keeps Series Alive

India recovered superbly after slumping to 0 for 2 in their second innings. Centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar helped them post 425 for 4 and bat England out of the match.

With the series standing at 2-1 in England’s favour, the fifth and final Test begins July 31 at The Oval, where India will look to draw level and retain the Pataudi Trophy.