India rejects Ben Stokes' draw offer: Test ends in tense draw
In a tense end to the Manchester Test, India refused Ben Stokes’ offer to end the match early with a draw. With 15 overs left, England’s captain approached India to call it off. But Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both close to centuries, said no. They wanted to keep playing and reach their milestones.
At the time, India stood at 386/4, leading by 75 runs. A result was unlikely, but India’s batters chose to stay at the crease. Stokes walked away, shaking his head. Tensions rose further when England’s Zak Crawley and Harry Brook exchanged words with Jadeja. The handshake between teams didn’t happen.
Commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said India made the right call, pointing out the batters’ effort and the context. He added that England may have done the same if roles were reversed.
Shubman Gill scored 103 and KL Rahul made 90 to rescue India after a rough start. Jadeja and Sundar later hit centuries and ended the match with an unbeaten stand of over 170 runs.
England brought on part-time bowler Harry Brook, who bowled loose deliveries, likely to force a quick end. The match ended in a draw. England still leads the series 2-1 as the teams head to London.
