The final day of the 4th Test at Old Trafford took a tense and dramatic turn, just when it seemed the game was heading for a quiet finish.
With the game drifting towards a certain draw, England captain Ben Stokes offered to end the match early. But India refused.
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Instead of shaking hands, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar chose to keep batting. Both were nearing their centuries, and the team wanted to give them the chance to reach that milestone.
What followed was a mix of frustration and some sharp words on the field, as Stokes was heard saying with a grin, "You want a Test 100 against Harry Brook? You should have batted like that earlier."
India refused England's offer for an early draw at Old Trafford
India had scored 386 for 4 when Stokes made the offer. They were already 75 runs ahead. It was clear the match was heading for a draw.
But after stitching together a 170-run stand, Jadeja and Sundar were nearing their three-figure milestone. Sundar had an opportunity to reach his maiden hundred in Test cricket, so India were not willing to end the match early.
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The instructions from the dressing room seemed clear: let both batters get to their hundreds, then settle for a draw. Batting on would also keep England’s weary bowlers out in the field longer, which could be a subtle message ahead of the series decider in the fifth Test.
What happened after the handshake offer was denied?
Once India refused the offer, things became tense. Some English players, including Harry Brook and Zak Crawley, looked annoyed as they exchanged words with Jadeja.
The stump mic even caught some of the chat. Drinks were called, but the mood didn’t calm down.
Scored a hundred, saved the Test, farmed ♾ aura! 💁♂#RavindraJadeja didn't hesitate, till the end 👀#ENGvIND 👉 5th TEST | Starts THU, 31st July, 2:30 PM | Streaming on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/cc3INlS07P
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 27, 2025
Ben Stokes, perhaps to wrap things up quickly, brought in Harry Brook to bowl some part-time spin. Brook’s deliveries included full tosses and loose balls, which Jadeja was happy to smash for boundaries.
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Eventually, both Jadeja and Sundar did reach their centuries. Jadeja even celebrated with his trademark sword move, bringing a cheer from the Indian fans. However, notably, the English players refused to clap.
What does this draw mean for the series now?
The drawn Test in Manchester means England still lead the series 2-1, but India will take momentum and renewed belief into the final match, which begins on July 31 at The Oval.