Jadeja & Washington Sundar Rewrite Old Trafford: Defiance, Drama & Historic Milestones
On Day 5 of the Fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, what seemed a routine draw turned into a memorable saga. At the center were Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who refused to accept a premature handshake from England’s captain Ben Stokes, opting instead to continue batting—and both reached their maiden Test centuries, sealing a courageous draw that kept the series alive. Here’s how it unfolded and why it matters.
What Happened: The Controversial Draw Offer
With England leading 2–1 in the series and India four wickets down but leading by around 70, Stokes offered a handshake during the final drinks break, signaling his side was ready to conclude the match as a draw. However, Jadeja (on 89*) and Sundar (on 80*) declined—and continued batting.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir endorsed this decision, stating emphatically, “If someone is batting on ninety and eighty-five and someone had the opportunity to get his first Test hundred, wouldn’t you allow him to do it?”. Former England captain Nasser Hussain also defended India’s stance as entirely legitimate.
Two Centuries, One Historic Draw
Jadeja’s 107* and Sundar’s 101*:
- Ravindra Jadeja reached 107 not out, anchoring India’s lower order and farming strike masterfully.
- Washington Sundar achieved his *first-ever Test ton (101)**, becoming the first Indian to score a maiden Test hundred in the lower order while holding off Part-time bowling from Harry Brook and Joe Root.
- This was India’s first ever Test match where two lower-order batters recorded centuries in the same innings, and both were match-saving contributions.
- India closed on 425/4, leading by 114 runs, with wickets still in hand.
Key Themes & Context
1. Control and Calm Under Pressure
- Jadeja and Sundar’s partnership required supreme discipline. Jadeja steadied with patient strokeplay, while Sundar rotated strike confidently—often farming strikes in testing mid-50s conditions.
- Jadeja managed the strike brilliantly: when Sundar was on strike, he took risks; when Sundar was at the non-striker’s end, Jadeja shielded him from hostile bowling.
2. England’s Frustration Visible
- After India declined the offer to shake hands, England shifted to part-time bowling (Brook and Root). The mood soured. Stokes quipped: “You want to get a Test hundred against Harry Brook?” as Jadeja stood firm around 90. Several England players were overheard complaining via stump mic swears.
Why Jadeja and Sundar Played Instead of Kuldeep?
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri explained the spin selection strategy: English pitches offered control and batting support, favoring Jadeja and Sundar over wrist-spinner Kuldeep—helping balance the bowling line-up. Jadeja repeatedly held the innings and created space; Sundar offered drift and containment—both key on less turning tracks.
Career Milestones & Personal Significance
- Jadeja continues to cement his record as one of the modern game’s finest all-rounders: his unbeaten 107 improved his first-class century count and added to his legacy in Tests.
- Washington Sundar, at 24, unveiled his Test batting maturity—shifting the conversation from being a backup for Jadeja to a genuine long-term force in Indian cricket.
Impact on the Series and Cricketing Ethos
A Draw That Feels Like a Victory
- India’s resilience turned a likely defeat into a celebrated draw—keeping the series alive at 2–1 with one Test to go.
- Jadeja’s and Sundar’s centuries were celebrated as personal triumphs and team salvation.
Changing Narrative Around Test Culture
- The draw drama sparked debate: was England trying to deny two players from personal milestones?
- Sky Sports and analysts condemned Stokes’ offer as premature, labeling it “shameless”—emphasizing the unwritten spirit of cricket: personal milestones earned, not denied.
The Dent in Sportsmanship
- The incident reignited discussions around Test traditions. When players earn their place through skill and endurance, they deserve their moment—even in drawn contests.
Statistical Summary
| Player | Score | Noteworthy Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | 107* | Farmed strike and reached century despite tense conditions. |
| Washington Sundar | 101* | First-Test hundred, cemented his name in history. |
| India Team | 425/4 | Lead of 114 & match saved with lower-order resilience. |
The Jadeja–Sundar saga at Old Trafford proved how Test cricket still reveres grit, character, and second chances. It wasn’t just about reaching a hundred—it was about preventing defeat, honoring persistence, and choosing principle over convenience.
Their defiance of England’s handshake shook the match narrative—and made cricketing history. Jadeja and Sundar delivered drama, defied expectations, and reminded us that Test cricket remains a theatre of human spirit.
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