Washington Sundar Overlooks Brook’s Gesture Amid Jadeja’s Historic Hundred. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar stirred controversy by ignoring England players’ handshake offer in their pursuit of personal milestones. While India pulled off a remarkable draw after a gritty fightback, the post-match handshake snub became the center of attention.
Reeling from back-to-back defeats at Headingley and Lord’s, India showed remarkable character in Manchester to keep the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy alive. Their determined performance not only halted England’s momentum but also set up a thrilling finale to the series.
Displaying grit and determination, the team’s fightback ensured the series remained open heading into the final Test. Battling against the odds, the Indian batters held firm through five sessions to secure a hard-fought draw.
However, their heroic stand was eclipsed by the controversy surrounding Jadeja and Sundar’s refusal to shake hands with England players, sparking widespread post-match debate.
A resilient third-wicket stand between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill proved
Pivotal in India’s turnaround, with the captain leading from the front with a composed century. Their crucial stand stabilized the innings under pressure and became the cornerstone of India’s spirited comeback.
The resistance was further bolstered by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, whose composed knocks ensured India clawed their way back from the brink to secure a memorable draw.
On Sunday evening, as England skipper Ben Stokes approached Jadeja and Sundar to offer a handshake signalling a draw at the start of the 139th over, the Indian pair—unbeaten on 89 and 80—chose to stay put.
With Shubman Gill watching from the dressing room, the batters appeared focused on reaching personal milestones rather than accepting the draw. Stokes, aiming to spare his exhausted bowlers further strain, was visibly frustrated, leading to a tense exchange that added drama to the match’s conclusion.
A gritty century from captain KL Rahul, supported by a crucial third-wicket stand with Shubman Gill, laid the groundwork for India’s revival.
The fightback was solidified by composed innings from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, whose resilience under pressure helped India escape defeat and secure a hard-earned draw.
Tensions flared late on Day 5 as Ben Stokes approached Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar with a handshake offer to conclude the match.With centuries within reach, Jadeja and Sundar chose to continue batting, turning down Ben Stokes’ offer to settle for a draw.
The decision left the England skipper visibly annoyed, adding tension to an already intense final session. As Shubman Gill watched from the dressing room, the tense moment added unexpected drama to an otherwise gritty and hard-earned stalemate.
Just an over later, Ravindra Jadeja reached his fifth Test century with a towering six down the ground, igniting celebrations. Mistaking the milestone for the conclusion of play, Harry Brook extended his hand to Washington Sundar — only to be coldly rebuffed.
Sundar prioritized the moment over protocol
Dashing toward Jadeja in celebration after the latter’s century. The Indian dressing room erupted with cheers, embracing the emotional high point of a gritty comeback.
Two overs later, Washington Sundar brought up his maiden Test century, sealing India’s gritty resistance. With both Jadeja and Sundar reaching their landmarks, tempers cooled, and the teams finally exchanged handshakes, drawing the curtain on a dramatic and hard-fought Test match.
India’s second innings got off to a horror start, with Chris Woakes delivering a double blow by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan off consecutive deliveries. The early collapse left India reeling at 0 for 2 before lunch, putting them under immense pressure.
With England sensing a series-clinching win, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul steadied the innings with a resilient 188-run partnership for the third wicket, swinging the momentum back in India’s favour.
India navigated the remainder of Day 4 without further damage, with Gill and Rahul extending their stand into Sunday. Although England briefly regained hope with a flurry of wickets, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar shut the door with a defiant partnership. The series now heads to a thrilling finale at The Oval on July 31, with England holding a 2-1 lead.