Overview:
Once the two reached tons, they agreed to a draw, but this time Stokes didn't shake hands with Jadeja, who was left furious.
Sachin Tendulkar has reacted to the handshake controversy in the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford. India managed to draw the game, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar scoring hundreds to keep the series alive. The visitors won the fifth game to draw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes wanted to end the proceedings early in Manchester, and he went to Jadeja to shake hands. However, the all-rounder refused as he and Sundar were nearing their hundreds. Once the two reached tons, they agreed to a draw, but this time Stokes didn’t shake hands with Jadeja, who was left furious.
He said something to the England skipper, and then the two shook hands. Stokes was slammed by the former England and Indian players for his act and for mocking the Indian players for continuing to bat. Sachin has broken his silence on the matter and criticised Stokes.
“Washington and Jadeja scored hundreds. It was in the right spirit. They were playing for a draw but had to face the top England players and negotiated them,” Sachin said.
“The series was alive, so why would the two Indian batters go ahead and shake hands and give rest to the rivals. It was Stokes’ choice to give the ball to Harry Brook. It wasn’t India’s problem. We would have lost the Test if Jadeja and Sundar had been dismissed. Why would England’s bowlers be fresh for the fifth Test? Do you have an answer? No,” he added.
Tendulkar commented that Jadeja and Sundar knew their responsibilities. “I am with the team, no matter whether Gambhir or Shubman or Jadeja or Washington took the call. In the last match, Sundar played attacking cricket as it was the need of the hour. He stayed in the middle in the fourth Test as the situation demanded.”