Washington Sundar Reveals How Handshake Drama Impacted Team India: 'You Ask Any Player...'
The handshake drama at Old Trafford acted as a springboard for the Indian team, says allrounder Washington Sundar.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy had its fair share of drama. Attempts were made to distract batters, time-wasting tactics were explicitly mocked, spirit of the game was questioned and more. One of the abiding memories of the hard-fought Test series between India and England that ended 2-2 was Ben Stokes expressing his frustration after his offer of handshake to end the Manchester Test in a draw was turned down.
With the contest overwhelmingly heading towards a draw on the fifth day thanks to a superlative effort from India batters after being down 0/2 at one stage, Stokes, wanting to preserve his bowlers for the fifth Test, offered a draw to the two unbeaten batters – Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar who were inching closer to their respective centuries.
After it wasn't accepted, Stokes wondered why the two batters were interested in personal milestones when the fate of the contest was almost sealed. Sundar says the incident fired up the team.
'I mean, it just happens in any sport, doesn't it?" Washington told Wisden. 'We've seen a lot of such things happen, not just in cricket, but in any sport. That's how sport is. It brings out a lot. I think it was just an experience for all of us, honestly."
Washington, who scored his maiden century after the drama, said players hope to be challenged in Test cricket as it helps to bring the best out of them.
'One hundred per cent," he said. 'You ask this to any player – that's exactly what you would hear. Especially in Test cricket, you want to be challenged because that's exactly what you expect every single day. And when the situation gets tough, the only thing that will help you get over it and come out successful is being really tough in your head."
After securing a draw in Manchester, India went on to complete a thrilling six-run win at The Oval on the final day.
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