Was Stokes' Gesture in Manchester Truly Classless?
Synopsis
In a heated moment during the fourth Test, Monty Panesar criticized Ben Stokes for a perceived lack of class when trying to force a handshake to declare a draw against India. This incident has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and the reputation of English cricket on a global stage.
Key Takeaways
Monty Panesar criticizes England's leadership behavior.
Stokes' gesture deemed classless by critics.
Jadeja and Sundar's performance highlighted India's resilience.
England leads the series but India is poised for a comeback.
Incidents like these shape public perception of cricketing nations.
New Delhi, July 29 (NationPress) Former spinner Monty Panesar has condemned England captain Ben Stokes, labeling his attempt to force a handshake and declare a draw during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford as "classless".
The controversy emerged in the final session of the match when Stokes attempted to persuade Ravindra Jadeja to shake hands, but the Indian all-rounder declined and went on to achieve his fifth Test century. His batting partner, Washington Sundar, also marked his debut Test hundred.
Together, they forged an impressive unbeaten 203-run partnership that revitalized India's innings after they were in a precarious position at 222/4 just before lunch.
Reflecting on Stokes' behavior, Panesar expressed his disapproval, stating that such actions contribute to the negative perception of England in the cricketing world.
"It was lacking in class. In England, we sometimes come off as a bit pompous, which doesn’t reflect well on us. They're generally good ambassadors for the sport, but this behavior highlights why some people harbor resentment towards England. That was a very classless gesture from Ben Stokes concerning the handshake incident," Panesar told IANS on Tuesday.
Following the disagreement, both Jadeja and Sundar completed their centuries and shook hands with the English players, ultimately agreeing to a draw after a commendable comeback from the Indian batting lineup, which also included contributions from KL Rahul (90) and captain Shubman Gill (103).
England currently leads the five-match Test series 2-1, but India has an opportunity to level the series by winning the final Test at The Oval in London, starting Thursday.
Point of View
It’s crucial to uphold the integrity of the sport. The actions of players reflect not only their personal character but also the national ethos. Stokes' approach raises questions about sportsmanship and the behavior expected from leaders in cricket. It's essential to encourage fair play and respect among all participants.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the fourth Test between England and India?
During the fourth Test, England captain Ben Stokes attempted to persuade Ravindra Jadeja to shake hands and declare a draw, but Jadeja refused and continued to score runs, leading to a strong comeback for India.
Why did Monty Panesar criticize Ben Stokes?
Monty Panesar criticized Stokes for his 'classless' gesture, suggesting that it reflects poorly on England's sportsmanship and contributes to negative perceptions of English cricket.
What was the outcome of the match?
The match ended in a draw after both Jadeja and Sundar completed their centuries and shook hands with the English players.
What is the current status of the Test series?
England currently leads the five-match Test series 2-1, with India aiming to level the series in the final Test at The Oval.
How did this incident impact cricketing discussions?
The incident sparked discussions about sportsmanship, leadership, and the behavior expected from players, particularly captains, in high-pressure situations.
