Jadeja, Sundar Reject Stokes' Draw Offer, Go On to Hit Centuries in Final Day Drama

In a dramatic turn of events during the final day of the Manchester Test, Indian all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar rejected England captain Ben Stokes' offer for a draw and instead chose to continue batting — a decision that led to both players scoring centuries and left the English camp visibly frustrated.

Stokes' Unexpected Draw Offer

As the match neared its final hour, India had reached a strong position at 386 for 4, holding a 75-run lead with 15 overs still to be bowled. Recognizing that a result seemed unlikely, Ben Stokes approached the umpires with a proposal to shake hands and call the game a draw. At that moment, Ravindra Jadeja was unbeaten on 89 and Washington Sundar was batting on 80 — both inching towards personal milestones.

However, the Indian duo had other plans.

FULL VIDEO OF ENGLAND PLAYERS vs JADEJA & WASHI...!!!

- Drama at Manchester. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/5Kklzf6oux

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 27, 2025

Indians Want to Finish What They Started

Stokes approached Jadeja and Sundar during a drinks break, suggesting they end the match as a draw. But the Indian batsmen politely declined, choosing instead to push ahead in pursuit of their individual centuries. Jadeja, known for his gritty determination, and Sundar, aiming for his maiden Test hundred, opted to continue batting despite the draw being within easy reach.

Frustration in the English Camp

The refusal seemed to irk the English players, especially Stokes, who engaged in a visibly intense conversation with both the batsmen and the umpires. His facial expressions reflected disappointment, and he was seen shaking his head as the Indian duo resumed play. Even from the dressing room, Shubman Gill appeared expressionless, watching his teammates hold firm at the crease.

While the English team may have believed the match was heading toward a dead end, India saw an opportunity to showcase resilience and determination — and they did just that.

Century Celebrations and a Statement Made

Ravindra Jadeja reached his century first and celebrated with his signature sword dance — a gesture that’s become symbolic of his fighting spirit. Moments later, Washington Sundar brought up his maiden Test ton, soaking in the applause and cherishing a landmark achievement in his career.

Together, Jadeja and Sundar stitched an unbeaten 203-run stand for the fifth wicket — a partnership that not only nullified England’s hopes but also stamped India’s dominance on the final day.

Why the Refusal Mattered

While the game may have eventually ended in a draw, the way it reached its conclusion told a much larger story. By denying the draw offer, Jadeja and Sundar demonstrated that cricket is not just about results, but also about character, milestones, and mental grit. It was a proud moment for Indian cricket fans — seeing their players prioritizing pride and performance over convenience.

Final Thoughts

This incident from the Manchester Test will be remembered not just for the runs scored, but for the statement made. Jadeja and Sundar showed that Test cricket is alive with drama, emotion, and pride. And sometimes, declining a draw isn’t just about the scoreboard — it’s about sending a message.