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Following India’s draw in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, hosts England are getting berated for not maintaining ‘Spirit of Cricket.’ England skipper Ben Stokes was seen frustrated after India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar refused to shake hands with him and conclude the game. Both batters were nearing their respective centuries and noting that, they refused to end the match. Stokes looked rankled and handed the ball to Harry Brook, who was smashed for a maximum by Jadeja, who brought his fifth red-ball century.
Amidst this incident, India legend Sunil Gavaskar has criticised England for acting high and mighty. Appearing on Sony Sports Network, he also hailed Team India’s sensational batting show in the second innings. “I'm enormously proud of this team for what they've done. Just four wickets down. Yes, whatever the pitch might have been — good pitch, flat pitch, whatever it is — to stick around there under pressure,” said Gavaskar.
Gavaskar also questioned England’s decision of delayed declaration in the second innings of the fourth game. “When India gave them 600-plus to chase in Birmingham, some England players said they were scared. But in India, they said ‘Give us 600, we’ll chase.’ So what happened now? India gave you 600, and you fell 336 short. That was just bravado. Just loud talk,” added Gavaskar.
Sunil Gavaskar takes jibe at Ben Stokes
Gavaskar also took jibe at Ben Stokes for the latter’s comment in the post-match conference that he was providing rest to his bowlers before the fifth Test at The Oval. Gavaskar said that he wanted India captain Shubman Gill to ask why the home side took a 311-run lead and not give their bowlers an extra hour to pick up wickets.
“So now, Shubman Gill — if he’s at the media conference — I’d like him to ask: Why did you take a lead of 311? Why not declare at 240 or 250 after Stokes got his hundred? Give your bowlers an extra hour to take wickets. I hope he asks that,” remarked Gavaskar. After four Tests, India are trailing by 1-2 and the visitors will now look to win the final Test to conclude the five-match series in a stalemate.
