Controversy Erupts as India and England Draw Fourth Test at Old Trafford

The fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford concluded with a dramatic handshake controversy. As players Jadeja and Sundar turned down a draw offer from Ben Stokes, tensions flared on social media. Both players were close to personal milestones, which added to the intensity of the moment. Washington Sundar later shared his thoughts on the incident, emphasizing the mental challenges of Test cricket. Ultimately, India managed to draw the match, leveling the series at 2-2, thanks to significant contributions from Shubman Gill, Jadeja, and Sundar. Read on to explore the details of this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 14, 2025, 15:22 IST

Tense Moments on the Final Day

The fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford captivated fans, not only for the cricketing action but also for a dramatic incident on the last day. A handshake controversy arose when England's Ben Stokes proposed a draw, which was declined by India's Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

Chasing Personal Milestones

Both Jadeja and Sundar were on the verge of personal achievements, with scores of 89 and 81 respectively. Their decision to reject the draw offer ignited a heated discussion on social media.

Sundar's Perspective on the Incident

In an interview with Wisden, Sundar downplayed the incident, stating, "Such things happen in any sport. We've witnessed similar situations across various games. It’s part of the experience for all of us." He emphasized the importance of mental toughness in Test cricket, saying, "You want to be challenged, especially in this format. When faced with tough situations, mental resilience is key to overcoming them."

Series Tied at 2-2

The determination of Jadeja and Sundar paid off, as their centuries, alongside Shubman Gill's impressive performance, helped India recover from a 311-run deficit to secure a draw, leaving the series level at 2-2.