A moment of post-match tension marked the end of the 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, as England captain Ben Stokes refused to shake hands with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar following the official conclusion of the match. The incident came after an intense Day 5, where India declined an earlier offer by England to settle for a draw.
With the match heading into its final phase and India in a commanding position, England had extended a handshake through skipper Ben Stokes as a symbolic gesture to call off the game. However, Team India chose to bat on, making it clear they wanted to end the Test on their own terms. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both of whom scored unbeaten centuries, led India’s effort to counter England’s first-innings total of 669.
After Jadeja reached his century, England’s Harry Brook had also stepped forward with a handshake gesture, which Jadeja and Sundar pointedly ignored. The tension simmered as India closed out their innings without conceding ground. Once the match was officially drawn, all eyes were on the customary post-match handshakes. In an unexpected move, Ben Stokes bypassed Jadeja and Sundar, walking past them without any acknowledgment, a stark contrast to the sportsmanship typically seen at the end of long Tests.
The refusal to shake hands has fueled speculation and debate, with some interpreting it as a reaction to India rejecting the earlier draw offer, while others viewed it as an emotional response to England's inability to secure a win despite a dominant first innings.
IND Vs ENG, 4th Test: Harry Brook's Quick Dash To Slips Delights Crowd At Old Trafford; Video
During Day 1 of the fourth Test match between India and England at Old Trafford, a small but spirited moment from Harry Brook stood out amid the tension of the contest. The young English cricketer was seen sprinting to his position in the slip cordon between overs, a burst of energy that captured the attention of both the broadcast cameras and cricket fans.
While most fielders typically stroll back to their marks during the break between deliveries, Brook's decision to sprint across the field brought a sense of urgency and liveliness to the English setup. It was a brief but refreshing display of enthusiasm, reflecting his readiness and sharp mindset in the field.
Brook’s athletic movement was not just functional but also symbolic of England’s high-intensity approach under the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum leadership. The moment was quickly picked up on social media, where fans praised his energy and commitment to maintaining intensity even in the quieter phases of the game.
