IND vs ENG | ‘What if Ben Duckett was on 90?: Ex-India cricketer slams England over handshake drama | Cricket News

Ben Stokes and Ravindra Jadeja (AFP Photo)

Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel weighed in on the handshake controversy that erupted through the fourth Test between India and England, elevating an intriguing query: “If Ben Duckett had been batting on 90 in the identical scenario and the opposition supplied a handshake, would England have accepted it?”The drama unfolded within the closing moments of Day 5 after India mounted a robust battle to maintain the collection alive, due to a resilient, unbeaten 203-run stand between Ravindra Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (101*).With a draw showing inevitable, England captain Ben Stokes approached the Indian duo to supply a handshake, signaling an finish to the sport. However, with Jadeja on 89 and Sundar on 80, the pair declined, preferring to chase their particular person milestones as they neared centuries. In the ultimate few overs, England resorted to bowling spin and even handed the ball to part-timer Harry Brook, delivering what appeared like half-hearted overs within the hope that the batters would hurry up and finish the match — a match through which England had as soon as held a commanding 311-run lead that was diminished to only 114 by stumps.The trade performed out on dwell tv, with Stokes seen taunting Jadeja, questioning whether or not he would full his century in opposition to Brook, who is not even thought of a part-time bowler.

England opener Zak Crawley additionally chimed in, quipping that Jadeja ought to have batted sooner if he needed to succeed in the milestone. The banter over the last hour mirrored the English camp’s exhaustion, frustration, and helplessness, particularly after having squandered a golden alternative to seal the collection. Stokes himself appeared visibly in ache, clutching his shoulder after each supply.

“England did things their own way. Their effort was clear — they wanted to bowl India out and win the game,” Parthiv stated throughout his look on JioHotstar.“But when they realised that wasn’t possible, they put their weapons down and acknowledged that India had played very well,” he added.He went on to commend India’s resolve and their batters’ decided show.“At the same time, India did what they wanted to do in their own way — two players worked really hard, batted brilliantly, and both deserved to score centuries,” he stated, referring to Jadeja and Sundar’s gritty effort.Parthiv then posed a hypothetical to problem the narrative surrounding the ‘spirit of the game.’“The only question I have is this: if Ben Duckett had been batting on 90 in the same situation and the opposition offered a handshake, would England have accepted it? I am very curious to know this, especially with so many talking about the ‘spirit of the game,'” he stated.

The former wicketkeeper additionally argued that India had each proper to hold on and that the match nonetheless had significant cricket left in it.“In my opinion, the game should have continued till the end of the day, even if the Indian batters completed their centuries. If 15 overs were still left, India should have batted because they worked extremely hard,” Parthiv burdened.He pointed to how shortly the momentum had shifted, recalling how harmful the scenario appeared the day earlier than.“Before lunch on Day 4, when two wickets fell, it looked like India could lose the Test on Day 5. But from that point to batting through 143 overs is an incredible effort,” he identified.In closing, Parthiv backed India’s name to maintain going whereas sharing a private opinion.“So, I believe what India did was absolutely right — though personally, I feel they could have batted a bit more,” he stated.The collection stays alive at 1-2, with the fifth and ultimate Test scheduled to start at The Oval on July 31.