Group India pulled off a exceptional escape within the fourth Check at Outdated Trafford, Manchester, forcing a hard-fought draw towards England. Trailing within the match and going through strain heading into the ultimate day, India turned the tables with an distinctive batting efficiency. Shubman Gill led from the entrance with a gritty century, whereas Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar stitched collectively an unbeaten 203-run stand for the fifth wicket. Each Jadeja and Sundar went on to attain good centuries and blunted England’s hopes of a series-clinching win. Their composure and willpower ensured India completed on 425/4, denying the hosts any likelihood of forcing a end result.
Ben Stokes below fireplace for his untimely draw gesture
With England unable to interrupt the Jadeja-Sundar stand and the Indian pair nearing particular person milestones, their captain Ben Stokes walked as much as the batters with a gesture suggesting an early finish to the match. Nonetheless, the Indian duo declined the provide, selecting as a substitute to hold on and full their centuries. Stokes appeared visibly pissed off by the refusal, shaking his head and exhibiting clear indicators of agitation on the sector.
This act didn’t sit properly with followers or specialists, who questioned the England skipper’s sportsmanship and temperament, particularly given how dominant England have been within the early levels of the match. Critics identified that such gestures undermine the aggressive spirit of the sport, particularly when the opposition is showcasing resilience.
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Why Sanjay Manjrekar termed Stokes a ‘spoiled child’
Veteran commentator and former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t maintain again in his criticism of Stokes. Talking on JioHotstar post-match, Manjrekar labelled Stokes as a ‘spoiled child’, calling out his lack of ability to deal with conditions that didn’t go England’s method. Manjrekar additional elaborated that Stokes appeared visibly irritated when his early handshake provide was rejected.
“Ultimately, what you noticed was Ben Stokes pissed off, not used to the sort of end result. Very not often has there been a draw below Bazball, and this one got here with none climate interruption — all due to India’s grit. Jadeja and Sundar had labored extremely arduous to get near their centuries. There was no method they have been going to just accept a draw earlier than attaining that. Stokes’ response confirmed a scarcity of grace. He behaved like a spoiled sport and a spoiled child,” mentioned Manjrekar.
In line with Manjrekar, the draw revealed England’s frustration towards a fearless Indian aspect and highlighted how the guests had rattled England’s management and mindset.
“Ben Stokes will rue what he has carried out. But it surely tells you precisely how pissed off England are, and all that is solely due to the sort of struggle this new-age Indian batting has put up,” added Manjrekar.
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