Jadeja, Washington Deny Stokes A Win, And A Handshake, With Record-Breaking Stand

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar turned down Ben Stokes’ offer of an early handshake, choosing instead to complete their centuries as the fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw, much to the frustration of the England captain and his team.

Their frustration wasn’t just about the handshake. It was also because India, who looked certain to lose, pulled off a gutsy draw to keep the series alive heading into the fifth and final Test.

After conceding a massive first-innings lead of 311 runs, India had to bat for over five sessions to save the Test and that’s exactly what they did, with Jadeja and Washington playing a massive role.

Jadeja remained unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls, while Washington crafted a steady 101* off 206. The duo added 203 runs off 332 deliveries - the most balls faced by an Indian pair batting at No. 5 or lower in England.

Earlier on Day 5, India lost overnight batters Shubman Gill and KL Rahul in the first session and were still trailing by 89 runs when Jadeja joined Washington at the crease.

Known for their composure and crease occupation, Jadeja and Washington delivered under pressure. They held firm from the moment they came together, stayed unbeaten till the end, and brought up memorable centuries in the process.

Most balls faced by No.5 or lower Indian pair in England

332 - Ravindra Jadeja-Washington Sundar in 2025

312 - MS Dhoni-Murali Vijay in 2014

279 - Ravindra Jadeja-Shubman Gill    in 2025    

276 - Rahul Dravid-VVS Laxman in 2002

271 - KL Rahul-Rishabh Pant in 2018

200+ run partnership for India in Manchester in Tests

203* - Ravindra Jadeja & Washington Sundar vs ENG, 2025

203 - Vijay Merchant & Syed Mushtaq Ali vs ENG, 1936

Instances of India having two 300+ ball partnerships in an away Test 

Rahul Dravid - Wasim Jaffer(339) & Ajay Ratra (455) vs WI, St Johns, 2002

Sanjay Bangar - Rahul Dravid (405) & Sourav Ganguly - Sachin Tendulkar (357) vs ENG, Leeds, 2002

KL Rahul - Shubman Gill (417) & Ravindra Jadeja - Washington Sundar (332) vs ENG, Manchester, 2025

Indians to score two Test hundreds from No.6 or lower in England

Ravindra Jadeja

END OF LIST

Instances of India having multiple 150+ run partnership in England in Tests

Chetan Chauhan - Sunil Gavaskar (213) & Sunil Gavaskar - Dilip Vengsarkar (153), The Oval, 1979

Sanjay Bangar - Rahul Dravid (170), Rahul Dravid - Sachin Tendulkar (150) & Sourav Ganguly - Sachin Tendulkar (249), Leeds, 2002

KL Rahul - Shubman Gill (188) & Ravindra Jadeja - Washington Sundar (203*), Manchester, 2025

Most centuries for India in the second innings of a match in Tests

3 vs ENG, Manchester, 2025

2 vs ENG, Manchester, 1936

2 vs ENG, Leeds, 2025

2 vs AUS, Perth, 2024

2 vs BAN, Chennai, 2024

Most runs for India in a Test series

3270 -  WI tour of IND 1978/79

3230 - ENG tour of IND 2016/17

3189* - IND tour of ENG 2025

3140 - ENG tour of IND 2024

3119 - ENG tour of IND 1963/64