'Very easy to have a pop at him when...': England legend backs Ben Stokes for angry reaction after handshake saga in Manchester Test

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen backed Ben Stokes after he faced a lot of criticism after a verbal spat with Ravindra Jadeja during the fifth Day of the fourth Test match at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. Stokes looked frustrated on the final day of the fourth Test match after Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined his offer to shake hands for a draw, choosing instead to chase personal centuries. With India safely avoiding defeat and leading by 75, Stokes sought an early end to the dead rubber, but the duo batted on.

Jadeja, Sundar, who came to bat after Shubman Gill and KL Rahul's wickets, played a calm and composed knock to end England's hope for a win. Jadeja and Sundar's decision to complete centuries divided opinions with Sanjay Manjrekar labelling Stokes "a spoiled kid" while Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir defended their players' right to milestones. However, former England legend Kevin Pietersen had a different say.

ALSO READ: 'I don't think there would've been too much satisfaction from walking off a hundred not out': Ben Stokes still rattled by Ravindra Jadeja refusing to accept draw

ALSO READ: 'Stokes didn't have to bowl Brook, it looked a bit silly': Former England captain unhappy with unnecessary drama in drawn Manchester Test

"2 days fielding and no result on the cards - you WANT to get off the field! You cannot have a pop at Ben Stokes for his frustration. Very easy to have a pop at him when you’re sitting in your lounge watching. You’re NOT in the battle. Leave the men in the ring to be emotional," Pietersen wrote on his official X handle.

"And the Stokes issue should NOT distract from the batters who batted to save the Test Match! Outstanding effort and one which makes The Oval a v v important Test" Pietersen also posted

After the fourth Test match ended in a draw, India's chances of winning the Test series ended as England leads 2-1 in the five-Test match series of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. The upcoming fifth Test match will be the last chance for the Shubman Gill-led side to draw to series.