England captain Ben Stokes has opened up on the much-discussed handshake incident that took place during the Manchester Test against India. Speaking ahead of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, Stokes said he had no regrets about offering an early handshake on Day 5 of the match but understood why Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar chose to bat on.
The drama unfolded in Manchester when Stokes approached Jadeja and Sundar with an offer to end the game early as both the teams’ chances of victory had evaporated. The two Indian batters refused and continued their innings as they were both close to scoring hundreds. Stokes and the England team were left visibly frustrated at the time and exchanged words with Jadeja and Sundar.
The England skipper faced criticism for his reaction but addressed the issue head-on before the final Test. He explained that his priority was to protect his bowlers from unnecessary injuries in a situation where a result was impossible.
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Ben Stokes Clears the Air on Manchester Test Handshake Controversy
Speaking to the media on the eve of the Oval Test, Ben Stokes said he believed both teams had moved on from the incident and he has no regrets about what he did.
"No regrets, but I think it's one of those where when you've not been there in the field for 250 overs, you do have a bit more of an understanding towards both sides. Two lads, Jadeja and Washington played incredibly well up until that point, so they sort of understand as to why they want to stay out there and get the hundreds," Stokes said as quoted on the eve of the fifth Test.
The all-rounder also stressed that his decision was made with the well-being of his teammates in mind.
"But again, I said at the end of the game, fair enough, but I'm not gonna bowl any of my bowlers in a situation where we can't win the game and expose any of those guys to injuries, so we're over it, I think India are over that whole thing. Let's just try our best not to focus too much on 20-minute period of cricket, um. It's been such a good series though," he added.
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England Make Four Changes for The Oval Test
England have made four changes to the side that played in Manchester. Stokes has been ruled out due to right shoulder injury. Ollie Pope will captain the side in his absence. Only Chris Woakes retains his place from the previous bowling attack. Spinner Liam Dawson and pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse have also been left out.
The new-look attack features Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton, who return on their home ground, along with Josh Tongue. Left-handed batter Jacob Bethell has also been added to the line-up.
England’s playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
Also read: England vs India: Dale Steyn Takes Aim at Jadeja, Sundar for Playing for Personal Milestones
