Washington Sundar turns down Harry Brook’s handshake offer, joins Jadeja’s century celebrations | Watch

Tensions between India and England came to a boil once again on Day 5 of the Manchester Test as England skipper Ben Stokes asked Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to draw the match in the final hour of play, sensing there was only one result possible from that point. However, Jadeja and Sundar—batting on 89 and 80 respectively—refused to budge, prompting a barrage of comments from the English players about how the two should have maintained their tempo or if they were simply chasing personal milestones against the likes of Harry Brook.

The Indian batters, though, were in no mood to let go of the momentum and didn’t seem to be paying much heed to the chatter. Jadeja even shifted the responsibility, pointing towards the dressing room and clarifying that it was the call of the captain and coach to continue playing.

Soon after, Jadeja brought up his fifth Test century with a big shot off Brook’s bowling. As he celebrated, Brook appeared to think the match would now be drawn and extended his hand toward Sundar, suggesting an end. But Sundar paid no attention, instead running across to his partner to celebrate the milestone.

A couple of overs later, Sundar too reached his hundred—his maiden Test ton at the international level—and India finally agreed to call it a draw.

Jadeja–Sundar keep India alive in the series

Jadeja and Sundar walked in after the dismissals of a well-set KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in the first session on Day 5. Jadeja offered a chance to Joe Root at slip off the very first ball he faced, but from there on, the duo looked resolute. They weathered everything England threw at them and ensured only one result was possible.

The two left-handers added over 200 runs while batting through two full sessions, tiring out England’s bowlers ahead of a quick turnaround before the final Test at The Oval. Their partnership has not only helped India avoid defeat but also kept them alive in the series, with the visitors now trailing 2-1. The young Shubman Gill-led side will have a chance to level the series in the fifth and final Test.