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Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar put England on the backfoot, and former England captain Alastair Cook showed Ben Stokes such a mirror that everyone was surprised.
It was the last day of the match, and India’s condition was bad. 311 runs behind, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan out on zero. It seemed that England would win easily. But KL Rahul and Shubman Gill batted brilliantly.
Rahul was out on 90, and Gill scored his fourth century, but Jofra Archer sent him to the pavilion as well. Then came Jadeja and Sundar, who took India to a draw with an unbeaten partnership of 203 runs.
Why were the last few minutes special?
In the last few minutes, Ben Stokes offered Jadeja and Sundar to shake hands for a draw, as the result of the match seemed to be a draw. But both batsmen were close to their century. Jadeja and Sundar rejected Stokes’ offer, and this is where the drama began.
England players got angry. Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook made fun of Jadeja-Sundar. Stokes even handed the ball to Harry Brook, who bowled loose balls at 37 kmph. But Jadeja and Sundar did not give up and completed their centuries.
Alastair Cook said on BBC Sports,
“Jadeja and Sundar did absolutely the right thing. When you have played 140 overs, and are so close to a century, you do not miss that opportunity. Their centuries will always be remembered on the scorecard, not Harry Brook’s 37 kmph ball.”
Cook’s statement was a befitting reply to Stokes.
Sanjay Manjrekar also took India’s side and said that any cricket playing country would do the same.
Stokes probably thought that India would accept his offer, but the Indian players gave priority to their hard work.
For now, this draw showed how much power the young Indian team has. Players like Gill, Jadeja, and Sundar not only saved the match, but also set an example in front of England.
Now everyone’s eyes are on the next Test, where India can be more aggressive.