NEW DELHI: Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has defended Ben Stokes and Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar after what unfolded in the last 15 minutes on Day 5 of the fourth Test match at the Old Trafford. Jadeja and Washington were batting on 89 and 80 respectively before the start of the last hour of play when England skipper Ben Stokes, aware that a result was out of reach, offered to shake hands.However, with milestones around the corner, the Indian batters refused, which didn’t amuse Stokes, who then introduced Brook into the attack to bowl some deliberate full-tosses, allowing both to complete their well-deserved tons.Stuart Broad, speaking on the “For The Love Of Cricket,” said: “Jadeja is on 89 not out Washington Sundar never scored a test match hundred is on 75 not out.
“I think and the drinks break comes. So what happens in test match cricket if you get to the final hour? Whatever comes last 15 overs. The final hour starts and then you play and We’ve not had to talk about this for so long because there’s been no draws under Ben Stokes. But you can either shake hands go to the opposition captain normally or batters and say let’s shake hands and walk off because there’s not going to be a result or you carry on and try and force a result or try and play cricket.
Poll
Should Ben Stokes have insisted on a handshake despite the approaching milestones?
“So that final hour arrives draw is 99% the result but nothing else can really happen, but you do have the unique scenario that you’ve got two batters approaching hundreds and Stokes he took his cap off and put his hand out to shake hands with Jadeja and he went no, I’m not gonna shake your hand and Where there’s been a big upset big, you know, they’re England are wrong India on whatever. There’s certain instances where both teams can be right. You know Stokes is right to take his cap off and offer the handshake.“He’s right. His team have filled in 143 overs. They’re knackered. They’re exhausted.“They want to get off the field. There’s no result can happen. Also, the Indian batters are right to go. I’ve worked really hard for the last four hours. Actually, I’m gonna be a hundred,” he added.
