Ben Stokes Reflects on Tense Moments with Ravindra Jadeja Ahead of Fifth Test

Stokes Discusses Fourth Test Encounter

As England prepares for the fifth Test against India at The Oval, captain Ben Stokes shared insights about his interaction with India's top all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, during the dramatic conclusion of the fourth Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 held at Old Trafford.

Stokes emphasized that while they have moved past the incident, he is unwilling to risk his bowlers' health in a situation where victory is unattainable.

The final moments of the Manchester Test were nothing short of thrilling. With India securing a draw, Stokes approached Jadeja for a handshake to conclude the match. However, Jadeja opted to pursue his century alongside teammate Sundar, much to Stokes' annoyance.

“Both Jadeja and Washington played exceptionally well up to that point. It’s understandable why they wanted to stay out there and reach their hundreds. But as I mentioned after the game, I won’t put my bowlers in a position where they can’t win and risk injury. We’ve moved on from it,” Stokes stated to the media.

He further remarked, “I believe India has also moved past this. Let’s not dwell too much on a brief period of play. The series has been fantastic so far.”

In the closing overs, England resorted to spin bowling, even utilizing part-timer Harry Brook, delivering lackluster balls in hopes that Jadeja and Sundar would wrap things up quickly, thus avoiding further embarrassment after conceding a 311-run lead, which eventually shrank to 114 runs for India.

This exchange was broadcast live, with Stokes teasing Jadeja about scoring his century against Brook, who is not even a regular bowler. Opener Zak Crawley joined in the light-hearted banter, suggesting that Jadeja should have accelerated his scoring if he aimed for a century.

These comments during the match's final hour highlighted the exhaustion and frustration of the English bowlers, who had squandered a chance for a series victory, with Stokes visibly struggling as he grimaced after each delivery.