Manchester, July 27 (UNI) In an unusual moment on the final session of the Old Trafford, England captain Ben Stokes approached Indian batsmen Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to propose an early handshake for a draw. However, the Indian pair turned down the offer, preferring to bat on in pursuit of their respective centuries.
The incident, occurring shortly before the drinks break, saw Stokes walk up to the crease with the intent of ending the match in a draw, with the result all but decided. But with both Indian batsmen nearing personal milestones, they opted to continue. A visibly bemused Stokes shook his head after the refusal and was seen engaging briefly with the umpires.
While the match situation left little room for a result either way, India’s decision to prolong the innings appears motivated not just by individual achievements, but also by the strategic goal of draining English bowlers ahead of the next Test, scheduled to begin in just three days.
The Test now heads into its final phase with both sides having effectively conceded the draw, but not without a few last swings of the bat and stretches of the legs.
