Former South African pacer Dale Steyn supplied a special perspective on the drama that unfolded throughout the last hour of the fourth Take a look at between India and England in Manchester. Steyn got here to the protection of England captain Ben Stokes, questioning the intent behind Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar pursuing private milestones when the match consequence was not doubtful.
India, who have been beneath strain after being lowered to 0/2 early of their second innings, mounted a robust comeback after KL Rahul and Shubman Gill fashioned an important partnership on Day 4, setting the platform for Jadeja and Sundar. The duo then stitched collectively a exceptional 203-run unbeaten stand, serving to India safe a draw and preserve the sequence alive.
As the ultimate hour approached and a consequence appeared out of attain, Stokes approached the batters to recommend ending the match with a handshake. Nonetheless, the Indian batters, each nearing centuries, declined the supply. In response, Stokes handed the ball to part-timer Harry Brook, seemingly permitting them the chance to achieve their milestones.
South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi sided with the Indian batters, stating he noticed nothing unsuitable with gamers wanting to attain particular person landmarks in a drawn match. The incident sparked a debate within the cricketing world, highlighting the steadiness between sportsmanship and particular person ambition within the longer format of the sport.
“Why is there such a giant deal being made in regards to the Indians selecting to not settle for the supply to finish the sport in a draw instantly? The supply was made. The supply was rejected, they usually have been absolutely entitled to make their alternative. They acquired their 100s, which they labored laborious for. Recreation over,” Shamsi wrote on X.
Why is there such a giant deal being made in regards to the Indians selecting to not settle for the supply to finish the sport in a draw instantly? The supply was made..the supply was rejected n they have been absolutely entitled to make their alternative They acquired their 100s which they labored laborious for Recreation over
12:05 AM · Jul 29, 2025
Steyn agreed that Jadeja and Sundar absolutely deserved their centuries however famous that they need to have proven extra urgency within the last hour if their objective was to achieve three figures. He reminded that the first goal was to safe a draw, not private milestones.
“Shamo (Shamsi) this onion has many layers to it, and every one will make somebody cry. The one situation I see right here is the one factor individuals aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t taking part in for 100s, they have been batting for a DRAW. That was the objective. Draw the sport. As soon as that was completed, and a consequence was out of the query a handshake was supplied, that’s the gentlemanly factor to do proper? It’s not then the time to comprehend they protected and now say no we’d favor some free milestones… though inside the guidelines, simply appears slightly, properly, odd. That stated, they did bat properly, and possibly with the final hour approaching they need to have been extra aggressive in reaching these milestones, at the very least then, we may all agree, no group tried to out do the opposite on this bizarre scenario,” Steyn replied to Shamsi.
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