ENG vs IND 2025: 'In Test cricket, you want to be challenged' - Washington Sundar explains how handshake row in Manchester fired up Indian team

Days after the Oval Test and the conclusion of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, Indian cricketers are thrilled to remember every inch of the contest filled with multiple intense moments. One of the most talked about moments of the series emerged when England skipper Ben Stokes proposed to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to settle the fourth Test as a draw. Sundar described the incident as the positive catalyst behind their heroics during the series decider game.

When Stokes went for a handshake to settle the match, Jadeja and Sundar were approaching their hundreds. Jadeja denied the handshake and the proposal to draw without completing the match. The straight forward refusal did not work well for Stokes, as he replied to Jadeja, "Do you want to score a century against Harry Brook?" The controversial incident sparked Team India's craving to level the series. 

"We've seen a lot of such things happen, not just in cricket, but in any sport. I mean, that's how sport is. It brings out a lot. I think it was just an experience for all of us, honestly," Sundar said.

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Sundar talked about mental preparations as well

Sundar further added, "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." 

The fourth test of the five-match series ended in a draw. England, in their first innings, scored 669 runs in reply to India's 358 runs. The home team was looking in a comfortable position to conceal the match and the series as well. But centuries from Captain Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar shaped The Oval Test as the series decider. On Day 5 of the fifth Test, England needed only 35 runs to win the match and the series but had only four wickets in hand. With the help of Mohammed and Prasidh Krishna, the men in blue stunned the home team and made the scoreline 2-2.