The fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford ended in a draw, but not without a late storm of controversy stirred by England captain Ben Stokes. Former England captain Nasser Hussain has weighed in on the events of the final hour, particularly Stokes's decision to hand the ball to part-time bowlers and his interactions with the Indian batsmen, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
India began the final day trailing by 137 runs, with the daunting task of batting out the day to save the Test and keep the series alive. Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar each scored centuries, leading India to a draw. Jadeja and Sundar's unbroken partnership of 203 runs frustrated England. Jadeja finished with 107 not out, and Sundar achieved his maiden Test century, remaining unbeaten on 101.
As the final hour approached, with both Jadeja and Sundar nearing their centuries, Stokes offered India a draw, which they declined. Stokes's subsequent decision to bring on Harry Brook to bowl appeared to be a move that Nasser Hussain described as "silly". Hussain felt that Stokes didn't need to bowl Brook and that it "looked a bit silly at the end".
The incident has sparked debate, with some viewing Stokes's actions as unsportsmanlike. It was reported that Stokes asked Jadeja if he wanted to reach his century against part-time bowlers like Brook and Ben Duckett. Zak Crawley was also heard telling Jadeja to "just shake your hands".
Hussain, however, defended Jadeja and Sundar's right to play out the game and reach their milestones. He acknowledged the fatigue of the English bowlers but emphasized that the Indian batsmen had worked hard and deserved their centuries. Hussain stated, "They played well, they deserved a draw, they deserved to be there at the end". He also said that he didn't have a problem with Jadeja and Sundar refusing Ben Stokes's offer for a draw.
The draw means that England still lead the series 2-1. The final Test will be at The Oval.