Former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash has voiced his concerns over the recent Manchester Test incident, stating that the comments caught on the stump microphone during an exchange between England and Indian batters did not reflect well on Ben Stokes’ team.
England’s Controversial Offer
The Test match at Old Trafford was seemingly heading for a quiet draw when the situation took an unexpected turn. England captain Ben Stokes approached Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who were on 89 and 80 runs respectively, offering a handshake to conclude the match before the final hour of play.
However, the Indian duo declined the offer, opting to continue batting. This decision led to both Jadeja and Sundar reaching their centuries, with Jadeja hitting a six to complete his second Test hundred and Sundar achieving his maiden Test century before India finally agreed to a draw.
Stump Mic Catches Heated Exchange
The exchange between the players was picked up by the stump microphone, revealing a tense conversation. Stokes was heard saying, “Jaddu, do you want to get a Test 100 against Brook & Duckett?”
Ravindra Jadeja swiftly responded to the English skipper’s remark, asking, “What do you want me to do, just walk off?” England’s Zak Crawley, standing nearby, chimed in, suggesting, “You can, just shake your hand.”
Ramprakash Questions England’s Tactics
Mark Ramprakash, speaking to Sky Sports, expressed his disappointment with the situation. He acknowledged England’s efforts in reinvigorating Test cricket but felt the stump mic comments were out of place.
Ramprakash posed a poignant question: would England’s players have behaved differently if one of their own was on 90 not out? He highlighted that personal milestones, such as being on the honour boards at Lord’s, are deeply valued by English players, making India’s decision understandable.
“I think Ben was possibly a bit premature going up (to the Indian batters) in the way he did. It has to be agreed by the opposition captain,” Ramprakash added, emphasizing the need for mutual agreement in such situations.
The Significance of Milestones
Ramprakash further elaborated on why the Indian batters were justified in continuing their innings. He pointed out that Washington Sundar had never scored a Test hundred before, a significant achievement for any cricketer.
Similarly, for Jadeja, another Test century adds to his already impressive record. Ramprakash concluded that from the Indian perspective, they had “earned the right to stay on” and pursue these vital personal milestones.
- Mark Ramprakash criticized England’s stump mic comments during the Manchester Test.
- Ben Stokes offered to end the match early, but Indian batters Jadeja and Sundar declined to complete their centuries.
- Ramprakash questioned if England would have acted differently if their own players were near a milestone.
- He stated that Stokes’ approach was “premature” and required the opposition captain’s agreement.
The incident highlights the fine line between competitive spirit and sportsmanship in Test cricket, sparking debate among fans and former players alike.
