Pietersen defends Stokes over criticism of reaction after India delayed Test draw

Ben Stokes remonstrates with India’s Ravindra Jadeja at Old Trafford in a dispute about whether the Test should end early. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Kevin Pietersen has come to the defence of Ben Stokes after the England captain became the subject of savage criticism in India and Australia for the behaviour seen from him and some of his teammates in the closing stages of the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford.

England reacted angrily to India’s refusal to accept the draw when it was first offered on Sunday, with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja instead staying on the field until they completed their centuries – which prompted England to stand down their frontline bowlers and let the batter Harry Brook bowl until they both registered three figures, amid significant on-field chuntering.