Follow UsEngland skipper Ben Stokes has hoped that the Indian team and the media buzz surrounding the no-handshake fiasco that happened in the Manchester Test isn’t a point of discussion further, and that both teams move on from it.
Notably, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar refused to accept Stokes’ offer to end the Test early after they had batted valiantly through the day to ensure India managed to eke out a draw. Both the batters were nearing well-deserved centuries at that stage, and they refused to let go of the opportunity to score a Test hundred. Eventually, both did get to their hundreds, but England refused to use their main bowlers after that handshake was refused, and Joe Root and Harry Brook bowled.
“As I said at the end of the game: fair enough. I wasn’t going to bowl my bowlers in a situation where we couldn’t win and risk injuries. India and we are both past it. Let’s not focus too much on a 20-minute period in what’s been a great series,” Stokes said ahead of the fifth Test.
Meanwhile, skipper Stokes will not be taking part in the Oval Test because of a bicep tendon injury, and he informed in the press conference that the risk would have been too high had he opted to play the game.
“Disappointed. A decent tear in the muscles I can't pronounce,” Stokes said on being injured for the last Test.
“I came down here this morning trying to find ways just to contribute to the batting. After discussions with the medical team, it was decided. The risk was way too high. I wouldn't have expected anyone else in my place to risk this as well.”
However, he added that his absence won’t affect England’s plan much, and he put his faith in other players to do the job for the team.
“One man doesn't win or lose you a game. Whether I'm playing or not it doesn't mean we'll win or lose. There are other players who are capable,” Stokes added.
England are already 2-1 ahead going into the last Test starting July 31 at the Oval.