Former South African pacer Dale Steyn provided a distinct viewpoint on the drama that happened during the final hour of India’s fourth Test against England in Manchester. Steyn defended England captain Ben Stokes, querying why Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were targeting personal milestones when the match was already decided.
India, under duress after being reduced to 0/2 early in their second innings, staged a great recovery on Day 4, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill forming a key combination that laid the groundwork for Jadeja and Sundar. The duo then put together an incredible 203-run unbroken stand to enable India secure a draw and keep the series alive.
As the final hour approached and a result appeared out of reach, Stokes approached the batters and suggested they terminate the contest with a handshake. However, both Indian hitters, who are reaching the century mark, declined the offer. In response, Stokes sent the ball to part-timer Harry Brook, ostensibly allowing them to achieve their goals.
South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi agreed with the Indian hitters, saying he saw nothing wrong with players aiming to attain personal milestones in a drawn match. The incident ignited a debate in the cricketing world, underscoring the delicate balance between sportsmanship and individual ambition in the game’s lengthier format.
“Why is it such a big deal if the Indians refused to accept the offer to conclude the game in a draw right away? An offer was made. The offer was declined, and they were entirely entitled to make their decision. They received their 100s, which they worked hard for. “Game over,” Shamsi wrote on X.
Why is there such a big deal being made about the Indians choosing not to accept the offer to end the game in a draw immediately?
The offer was made..the offer was rejected n they were fully entitled to make their choice
They got their 100s which they worked hard for
Game over
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) July 28, 2025
Dale Steyn agreed that Jadeja and Sundar fully deserved their centuries but noted that they should have shown more urgency in the final hour if their goal was to reach three figures.
He reminded that the primary objective was to secure a draw, not personal milestones.
“Shamo (Shamsi) this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal. Draw the game. Once that was accomplished, and a result was out of the question a handshake was offered, that’s the gentlemanly thing to do right? It’s not then the time to realize they safe and now say no we’d prefer some free milestones…
although within the rules, just seems a little, well, odd. That said, they did bat well, and maybe with the last hour approaching they should have been more aggressive in reaching those milestones, at least then, we could all agree, no team tried to out do the other in this weird situation,” Steyn replied to Shamsi.
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