Stokes Proposes Draw, India Plays On to Deny Jadeja and Sundar Hundreds

Jadeja, Sundar Reject Stokes’ Draw Offer, Hit Centuries as India Take Control.

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar added to England’s frustration on Day 5 of the Manchester Test by declining Ben Stokes’ offer to end the match early, choosing instead to chase personal milestones in the final hour of play.

With India comfortably placed at 386 for 4, leading by 75 runs and just 15 overs left in the game, England captain Ben Stokes approached the umpires to propose a draw. However, Jadeja (89*) and Sundar (80*) made it clear they would continue. Their decision appeared to irritate Stokes, who was seen shaking his head after a conversation with the umpire and both batters.

India pressed on, and both all-rounders went on to complete their centuries — Jadeja with his signature sword celebration and Sundar registering his maiden Test hundred. The duo added an unbeaten 203-run partnership for the fifth wicket, pushing India to 425 for 4 before the match was finally called off.

To allow them time to reach their hundreds, England were forced to bowl an additional five overs, with part-timers Harry Brook and Joe Root lobbing gentle deliveries. Stokes and Ben Duckett were caught on stump mic exchanging banter with the Indian batters, including a jibe from Stokes: “Jaddu, you want to get a Test hundred against Harry Brook and Joe Root?” — a comment that irked commentator Sunil Gavaskar.
Manjrekar Slams Stokes’ Conduct

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar was critical of Stokes’ reaction, calling it childish.

“That was Ben Stokes behaving like a spoilt kid… I admire him, but he didn’t handle it well. Not everything will go your way,” Manjrekar said during the post-match analysis.

Trott Backs England’s View

Meanwhile, former England batter Jonathan Trott defended Stokes, arguing that England would not have played on for personal milestones in a similar situation.

“Stokes felt only one result was possible, so let’s move on to London. That’s just a cultural difference both teams need to respect,” Trott said.

India’s fightback was commendable after they were reduced to 0 for 2 early in their second innings. Centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar helped them secure a draw and keep the series alive.

With the scoreline at 2-1 in England’s favour, the series decider will take place at The Oval in London on July 31, with India needing a win to level the series and retain the trophy.