Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has called out England’s double standards during their attempt to end the 4th Test in Manchester early, as the match was heading towards a draw in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
England had India on the back foot with the new ball, claiming two wickets in quick succession by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks courtesy of Chris Woakes. The scoreboard read 0 for 2, and it looked like the match might wrap up quickly.
Valiant Fight Back From India
However, skipper Shubman Gill and KL Rahul led a strong fightback. Gill reached his third century of the series, while valuable contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both of whom went on to score centuries, helped India secure a draw.
On day five, with 15 overs left, the handshake incident happened when Jadeja and Sundar were both in their 80s. A mutual decision to end the match was indicated when Ben Stokes went to shake hands with Jadeja. But Jadeja, intent on hitting his century, politely declined.
Washington Sundar, who was also aiming for his first Test century, was fully behind him. Before shaking hands to announce the draw, both batters proceeded to finish their hundreds in style.
Ashwin Backs Jadeja's Decision
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravi Ashwin backed Jadeja’s decision and criticized England’s inconsistent stance.
“Have you heard the term double standards? They played your bowlers all day, batted you out, and suddenly when they're nearing hundreds, you want to walk off? Why should they?” Ashwin questioned.
“They have played all your bowlers since morning and taken it to a draw. They have worked hard, so you want them to leave their hundred?” the former off-spinner fumed.
Although the batters eventually agreed to a draw after reaching their milestones, Ashwin said he would have continued batting if he were in charge.
“If I was the Indian captain, I would have played the entire 15 overs,” he said.
Sunil Gavaskar echoed the same sentiment on Sony Sports: “I’d ask them to keep batting and keep the team on the field for the full 15 overs.”
Ashwin Slams Stokes’ Sarcasm, Defends Jadeja and Sundar’s Right to Bat On
Ashwin also expressed frustration over Ben Stokes’ on-field behavior and banter during the incident.
“As England players crowded Jadeja, Stokes sarcastically quipped, ‘You're going to get a Test hundred against Harry Brook (a part-time bowler)?’” Ashwin said.“You ask, ‘You want to make a hundred against Harry Brook?’ He has to make a hundred — you bring Steve Harmison, Andrew Flintoff, bring any bowler — they didn’t object. It was your call to bring Brook, not ours.”
Despite the drama, Ashwin made sure to praise the duo for their grit and determination.
“These are Test runs; a century is earned, not gifted. Washington deserved it, Jadeja deserved it. Period.”
He concluded by saying India was well within their rights to play on, with the batters chasing their milestones
Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: Ben Stokes, Gautam Gambhir Have Their Say On Injury Replacements
