The recently concluded Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy between India and England was packed with drama, controversy, and high-quality cricket. From attempts to distract batters to open mockery of time-wasting tactics and debates over the spirit of the game, the 2-2 series had it all. One of the most talked-about moments came at Old Trafford, Manchester, when England captain Ben Stokes’ offer of a handshake to settle for a draw was refused by the Indian batters.

On the final day, with India recovering from a precarious 0/2 to a strong position, unbeaten batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were inching towards personal milestones. Sensing the inevitability of a draw and wishing to rest his bowlers ahead of the fifth Test, Stokes proposed ending the match early.

The offer was politely declined, prompting Stokes to question why personal milestones mattered more when the match result seemed certain. For Washington Sundar, however, the moment served as motivation. Speaking to Wisden, he said: “It happens in any sport. We’ve seen it before, not just in cricket. It’s part of the game and brings out different emotions. Honestly, it was an experience for all of us.”

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Sundar went on to score his maiden Test century in that very innings. He believes such challenges are vital for a cricketer’s growth.

“One hundred per cent. In Test cricket, you want to be challenged every day. When situations get tough, mental toughness is the only way to succeed.”

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India carried that fighting spirit into the final Test at The Oval, where they pulled off a thrilling six-run win on the last day, sealing a memorable 2-2 series result. The Stokes–Sundar episode remains one of the defining moments of a fiercely contested series that lived up to its billing in every sense.