The fourth Check at Previous Trafford resulted in a hard-fought draw, however the last moments of the fit noticed feelings run prime, particularly from England captain Ben Stokes. With the sport heading against an inevitable draw on Day 5, Stokes gave the impression keen to name off play early. Alternatively, India, nonetheless chasing private milestones, declined his be offering, resulting in a visibly annoyed reaction from the England skipper. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar each went on to attain centuries, with Stokes even tossing the ball to Harry Brook in an try to wrap up lawsuits temporarily. Brook’s mild supply used to be dispatched for 6 through Jadeja, who introduced up his hundred. Later, Brook too presented to name it off prior to Sundar may just entire his ton, however the point of interest remained firmly on Stokes’ response. Stokes’ choice and visual agitation didn’t cross ignored. Former England captain Nasser Hussain remarked, “Stokes didn’t need to bowl Brook, and it seemed a bit of foolish on the finish there.” Sanjay Manjrekar, former India batter, went additional, calling Stokes’ behaviour “spoiled.”
However Kevin Pietersen got here out strongly in beef up of his former teammate. Taking to X, the 45-year-old defended Stokes’ emotional reaction, announcing, “2 days fielding and no outcome at the playing cards – you WANT to get off the sector! You can not have a pop at Ben Stokes for his frustration.” He persisted, “Really easy to have a pop at him whilst you’re sitting to your living room looking at. You’re NOT within the combat. Depart the lads within the ring to be emotional.”
Kevin Pietersen on X (Screengrab)
Pietersen insisted that whilst Stokes used to be proper to really feel agitated, it shouldn’t remove from India’s batting effort. “The Stokes factor will have to NOT distract from the batters who batted to save lots of the Check Fit! Exceptional effort and one that makes The Oval an important Check.”
Ballot
Do you assume Ben Stokes used to be justified in his frustration right through the Check fit?
The draw leaves the collection finely balanced heading into the overall Check at The Oval. India shall be on a prime, buoyed through gritty efforts from KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Jadeja, and Sundar. England, in the meantime, will glance to regroup and seal the collection with a win.