🤝 The "Handshake" That Sparked Debate
As the match approached its final hour, with the result drifting inevitably toward a draw, Ben Stokes offered to shake hands and call it a day. However, at that moment, Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were both nearing personal centuries—a milestone that holds great value for any batter, especially under challenging circumstances.
Instead of allowing the game to play out, Stokes handed the ball to part-timer Harry Brook, a player with no real bowling reputation, signaling that the contest was over in his mind. India, however, wasn’t quite ready to "shake hands" and walk away.
🗣️ Stokes Defends His Decision
In the post-match press conference, Stokes addressed the criticism head-on:
“The knock that those two played was very, very good... You hold your hands up, they played incredibly well… the 10 more runs ain’t gonna change the fact that they saved their team.”
Stokes further explained that he wasn’t willing to risk his frontline bowlers with the final Test looming and admitted that the draw had become inevitable:
“We took the game as far as we could... I wasn’t going to risk any of my proper bowling options when we knew what was going on.”
Even Harry Brook, who was surprisingly thrown the ball, was told:
“Please don’t do anything stupid.”
🇮🇳 India’s Stand – Every Run Matters
While England’s intent was to manage workload and prepare for the final Test, the Indian camp saw things differently.
Team India’s management, and many cricket fans, believed that Jadeja and Sundar deserved the chance to complete their centuries. After all, Test cricket is not just about team results—it’s also about individual milestones, moments of resilience, and pride.
For many, this felt like an unfair end to what could have been a fitting personal reward for two brilliant innings under pressure.
🎯 What’s at Stake Now?
The 4th Test may have ended in a draw, but the series is still alive. With England leading 2-1, India must win the 5th and final Test at The Oval to level the series.
This controversy has only added fuel to an already fiery contest, and cricket fans across the world will be watching closely to see how both teams respond.
💬 Final Word: Spirit of the Game vs Strategy
Ben Stokes’ call has divided opinion in the cricketing fraternity. Was it a smart strategic decision to preserve his bowlers, or did it come at the cost of sportsmanship and the spirit of Test cricket?
Either way, it proves one thing: Test cricket is very much alive—not just in scorecards, but in stories, debates, and moments that make the game timeless.
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