Even though India and England’s fourth Test at Manchester ended in a draw, it sparked intense debate among cricket fans and analysts. After India’s Ravindra Jadeja firmly rejected England captain Ben Stokes’ unexpected offer for an early draw, the focus swiftly shifted from the on-field action to a contentious off-field discussion.
As Jadeja was attempting to reach a well-earned century, Stokes’ gesture stirred a wave of opposing opinions online. While some commended Jadeja’s competitive spirit, others questioned whether personal accomplishments should outweigh the spirit of the game.
Former South African fast pacer Dale Steyn and current spinner Tabraiz Shamsi had a noteworthy interaction as a result of the dispute, which generated a lot of online discussion.
‘Why is there such a big deal being made about the Indians choosing not to accept the offer to end the game in a draw immediately? The offer was made. The offer was rejected, and they were fully entitled to make their choice. They got their 100s, which they worked hard for. Game over,’ Shamsi wrote on Twitter.
Dale Steyn, a legend of the game, responded forcefully to the post, emphasizing that there was no use in batting further because the match’s goal (a draw) had been accomplished.
‘Shamo this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing, the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal. Draw the game. Once that was accomplished, and a result was out of the question a handshake was offered, that’s the gentlemanly thing to do right? It’s not then the time to realize they safe and now say no we’d prefer some free milestones… although within the rules, just seems a little, well, odd. That said, they did bat well, and maybe with the last hour approaching they should have been more aggressive in reaching those milestones, at least then, we could all agree, no team tried to out do the other in this weird situation,’ Dale Steyn replied to Shamsi.
However, the South African spinner remained unconvinced and continued to defend his stance.
‘Thats true ledge but I just think both sides have a right to make their own decision. Just because the option for the draw was given it doesn’t mean the other team has to take it. If you wana call the shots about how long I can bat …get me out! Atleast that’s how I see it,’ Shamsi added in the second tweet.
‘Well I don’t think any one individual calls the shots for how long someone can bat, it’s just the rule that teams can shake with a hour left. the game was Eng going for a win, India going for a draw, time says it’s pointless to play on, neither TEAM will win/lose so handshakes and walk off, that final hour isn’t reserved for personal goals. As they say, there’s no I in team…, if it were you and me batting on 90 each, it would take a tank to pull us off that field! Haha,’ Steyn responded.