The recent debate regarding the mutual draw appeal between Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja has heated up, as Stokes gets the support of former South African pacer Dale Steyn, who defends England’s skipper's intentions.
Steyn Backs Stokes, Questions Jadeja and Sundar’s Late Push
Steyn backed Stokes’ gesture to walk off mutually for an early draw, as the result was clear. He questioned Ravindra Jadeja’s and Washington Sundar’s intent in pursuing their milestones very late in the match.
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Shamsi Defends Jadeja and Sundar’s Right to Continue Despite Draw
However, Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi came to the support of the Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. He highlighted that it was well within their rights to continue, given the result was already known. Shamsi tweeted via his X handle:
"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, and they were fully entitled to make their choice. They got their 100s, which they worked hard for. Game over," he wrote on X.
Meanwhile, the debate intensified between Steyn and Shamsi. Steyn ultimately agreed with Jadeja and Sundar’s intentions, but he expected them to be quicker. He felt it was a little odd when Jadeja disagreed with the mutual handshake.
"Shamo, 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're safe and now say, ‘No, we’d prefer some free milestones…’ Although within the rules, it 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 do the other in this weird situation,” Steyn tweeted in response to Shamsi.
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As the debate intensifies among experts, India is out practicing for the series decider at The Oval. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy currently stands at 2-1 in England’s favour, and the final Test begins Thursday at 3:30 PM IST.
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