A video from the recently drawn Manchester Test between India and England has gone viral in which Ben Stokes seemed to be avoiding shaking hands with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. The clip spread quickly online with netizens claiming Stokes was upset because India did not declare their innings earlier.
In the video, several England players are seen shaking hands with the Indian batters. But Stokes appears to walk past Jadeja and Sundar without greeting them. This led to speculation that he was unhappy with India’s decision to bat on despite the game heading for a draw. Jadeja was batting on 89 and Sundar on 80, and both were approaching personal milestones.
But is the complete truth? We are going to shed light on the sequence of events that took place in the final hour of the fourth Test between England and India.
Also read: Watch: Jadeja Gracefully Shuts Down Stokes’ Sarcasm, India Hold On for a Draw in Manchester
Handshake Drama: Did Ben Stokes Snub Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja?
The full sequence of events shows that there was no disrespect. Ben Stokes had approached the umpire to suggest a draw with around 15 overs to go as there was little chance of a result. India, well within their rights, chose to continue batting as both players were close to centuries.
Stokes and a few England players were seen talking to the umpires and Indian batters, questioning the decision to carry on. Stokes gave the ball to part-time bowler Harry Brook. Ravindra Jadeja responded by hitting a six to reach his century, while Washington Sundar also brought up his maiden Test hundred soon after.
In a viral video, Stokes was seen ignoring Jadeja and Sundar as netizens assumed that he was irked because of their decision to continue batting.
But a few hours later, another video surfaced online that told a different story. In that video, Stokes is seen shaking hands with both Jadeja and Sundar at the ground.
Oval Test Set to Decide Gripping Series
With the fourth Test ending in a draw, the series is currently 2-1 in England’s favour.
India will take confidence from the way their batters performed. England, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back after missing out on a possible win.
The match is set to begin on July 31 at the Kennington Oval in London. England have added Jamie Overton to their squad, while India have replaced Rishabh Pant with N Jagadeesan.
Also read: IND vs ENG: CSK Star Jamie Overton Joins England Squad for Fifth Test
