The fourth Test at Old Trafford ended in controversy after Ben Stokes’ offer to shake hands and call the game a draw was rejected by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both batting in their 90s. What followed was social media lambasting Stokes for his visible frustration. Pundits and fans called out England for playing against the “spirit of cricket.” However, Dale Steyn has now stepped in to defend the England skipper.
The dramatic episode unfolded as India, having staged a stunning comeback from a 311-run deficit, entered the final hour of play safe from defeat. Stokes, seeing no prospect of a result, suggested ending proceedings early. Jadeja and Sundar declined, chasing personal milestones instead. Stokes then tossed the ball to Harry Brook, allowing the duo to get to their respective hundreds as soon as possible.
Steyn vs Shamsi: The Draw Debate
While South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi backed the Indian pair, calling the criticism overblown, Steyn took a nuanced stand in favour of Stokes.
“Shamo, this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry,” Steyn wrote on X. “The batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a draw. Once that was achieved, the gentlemanly thing is to shake hands. To then use that hour for milestones, while within the rules, just felt odd.”
Steyn clarified that he wasn’t against Jadeja and Sundar getting hundreds but questioned why they didn’t accelerate earlier. “If they wanted the milestones, they should’ve pushed on before the last hour. At least then, no one could say one team outdid the other in this weird scenario.”
Shamsi countered, saying: “Both sides have the right to make their own decisions. If you want me off the field, get me out!” Steyn replied: “That final hour isn’t reserved for personal goals. There’s no ‘I’ in team. That said, if it were you and me on 90, it would take a tank to drag us off!”
Despite the uproar, Jadeja (107*) and Sundar’s (101*) 203-run stand ensured India salvaged a crucial draw. It was a draw clawed from the jaws of defeat as India were staring down the barrel at 0/2. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy scoreline now 2-1 in England’s favour, the stage is set for a high-stakes series finale at The Oval starting July 31.
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