'If Ben Duckett was on 90...': Ben Stokes roasted over 'handshake' controversy in Manchester Test

Former Team India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel backed Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for refusing Ben Stokes' handshake during the fourth Test match in Manchester. Patel also stated that England tried everything to push for a win until it became clear they couldn’t, and India were right to play on.

India managed to secure a draw in the fourth Test at Manchester. The visiting team began the final day on 174 for 2, but lost just two wickets throughout the day. Captain Shubman Gill added 103 runs, while Washington Sundar (101*) and Ravindra Jadeja (107*) ended the match with unbeaten centuries.

They Wanted to Bowl India Out and Win the Game - Parthiv Patel

With India at 386 for 4 after 138 overs, Ben Stokes approached the Indian batters for a handshake. However, Ravindra Jadeja (89*) and Washington Sundar (80*) declined the offer, keen to complete their centuries. England, frustrated by India’s decision, continued with bowlers Harry Brook and Joe Root.

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Parthiv Patel said that England pushed hard to dismiss India and secure a win. However, they gave up after they realized a victory was out of reach. Patel added that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar batted superbly and deserved to score centuries.

"England did things their own way. Their effort was clear — they wanted to bowl India out and win the game," said Parthiv on JioHotstar.

"But when they realised that wasn’t possible, they put their weapons down and acknowledged that India had played very well. At the same time, India did what they wanted to do in their own way — two players worked really hard, batted brilliantly, and both deserved to score centuries," he added.

If Ben Duckett Had Been Batting on 90 in the Same Situation... - Parthiv Patel asks Ben Stokes

Parthiv Patel questioned whether England would have reacted the same way if the roles were reversed. He added that while there has been debate about the spirit of the game, the Indian batters should have continued till the end of the day even after completing their centuries.

"The only question I have is this: if Ben Duckett had been batting on 90 in the same situation and the opposition offered a handshake, would England have accepted it?" Patel opined.

"I am very curious to know this, especially with so many talking about the ‘spirit of the game.’ In my opinion, the game should have continued till the end of the day, even if the Indian batters completed their centuries," he added.

India Should Have Batted On as They Worked Extremely Hard - Parthiv Patel

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that India appeared to be in danger of losing the match after KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were dismissed. He added that Jadeja and Sundar completing their centuries was a just reward for their hard work.

"If 15 overs were still left, India should have batted because they worked extremely hard. Before lunch on Day 4, when two wickets fell, it looked like India could lose the Test on Day 5," said Parthiv.

"But from that point to batting through 143 overs is an incredible effort. So, I believe what India did was absolutely right — though personally, I feel they could have batted a bit more," he added.

India head into the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a chance to level the series, as England currently lead 2-1. The series finale will take place at The Oval, starting on Thursday, July 31, following a draw in the fourth Test in Manchester.

Also read: Watch: Gautam Gambhir engages in ugly fight with pitch curator after green top offered for Oval Test