The fourth Test between India and England in Manchester may have ended in a draw but it stirred up plenty of drama on the final day.
After England’s hopes of a win faded, skipper Ben Stokes seemed irritated when India decided to keep batting despite the game heading for a draw.
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But cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar didn’t hold back. He strongly defended India’s approach and questioned the criticism aimed at the Indian batters.
Ben Stokes was unhappy on Day 5 of the Manchester Test
On Day 5, India were in a tricky spot at four wickets down while trying to avoid defeat. That’s when Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja stood strong, building a massive 203-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Both were nearing their centuries, and with the match heading towards a draw, England captain Ben Stokes offered to shake hands and call it off with 15 overs still left.
But India continued batting. They wanted both players to complete their tons. Stokes didn’t take this well and his frustration was visible.
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He even brought in part-timer Harry Brook to bowl the final overs, clearly annoyed by India’s decision to bat on despite the game being out of England's reach.
What did Sachin Tendulkar say about India’s approach?
Sachin Tendulkar didn’t mince words when reacting to the incident. He strongly supported the Indian players and felt they had every right to continue batting.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Tendulkar said the series was still alive, and tiring out England’s bowlers was a smart tactic, not a problem for India.
Tendulkar added that England’s decision to bring on Ben Stokes or Harry Brook was their own strategy. But that didn’t mean India had to change their plans.
"People talk about the fourth Test, that hundred by Washington and Jadeja. Was it in the right spirit? Why not? They were playing for a draw. Earlier, England was going at them, and all that," Said Tendulkar.
"If the batsman is batting till the end of play, both of them, yes, they got hundreds, but according to me, the series was alive; why should they go in and give rest to the England fielders and bowlers, if they want Harry Brook or Ben Stokes to bowl, that’s their choice, not India’s problem," he added.
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He also clarified that it wasn’t about personal milestones. India were simply securing the draw, and had either Sundar or Jadeja lost their wicket early, India might have been in danger of losing the Test.
"So to me, it was absolutely fine that they were playing for the draw, not the hundred. When they came to bat, if they’d gotten out at that time, we could have lost the Test match. So I am absolutely with the Indian team, whether it’s Gambhir, Shubman, Jadeja, or Washington," he added.
How did the Indian batters finish the innings?
Washington Sundar brought up his maiden Test century, staying unbeaten on 101 from 206 balls, which included nine fours and a six. Jadeja too remained not out on 107 off 185 deliveries, hitting 13 boundaries and a six.
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Their steady batting ensured that India didn’t just escape defeat, but also ended the Test on a solid note and head into the next match with momentum, which they eventually won.