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Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has hit out at Ben Stokes and his team for their conduct on the final day of the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester. Boycott criticised England’s reaction after Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar rejected Stokes’ proposal to call the game off early and settle for a draw.
Drama by Ben Stokes and Co. on Day 5 of Manchester Test
Day 5 in Manchester witnessed an unexpected twist when Jadeja and Sundar, batting on 89 and 80 respectively, refused Stokes’ offer to shake hands for a draw. Despite the match heading towards a stalemate, the Indian pair continued to bat, having rescued India from a 311-run deficit. This decision visibly frustrated the England captain, who appeared animated and exchanged words with the Indian players.
While the rulebook allows both captains to mutually agree to a draw, the Indians stood firm, aiming to reach their personal milestones while showcasing their resilience in a hard-fought contest.
Geoffrey Boycott criticises England’s hypocrisy
Boycott highlighted the double standards in England’s reaction to India’s decision to continue batting. He pointed out that Stokes and his men are known for their aggressive on-field behaviour, often sledging opponents to gain a psychological edge. Boycott argued that it was unreasonable for England to expect courtesy from India when they themselves had been ‘chirping away’ at the Indian batters throughout the match. According to him, Jadeja and Sundar had every right to carry on, especially after their monumental effort in saving the game, and England simply needed to accept the situation rather than complain.
“What goes around comes around. England have never held back from chirping at opponents, so they cannot complain if India decide to stay on. Jadeja and Sundar fought their hearts out, and they earned the right to go for their hundreds. If England can dish it out, they should be able to take it,” Boycott wrote in his column for The Telegraph.
Boycott praises India’s mental strength
In his second statement, Boycott applauded Jadeja and Sundar for their resilience under pressure. He emphasised that the Indian pair’s decision to continue batting was not just about personal milestones but also a testament to their determination and discipline. By leaving deliveries outside off-stump, defending solidly, and refusing to give in, the two batters showcased the mental toughness that Test cricket demands. Boycott even admitted that, in their position, he would have done the same — underlining how their refusal to walk off symbolised India’s fighting spirit.
“These India players are tough cookies. There’s no way I’d have walked off on 89 after battling all day to save the match. Jadeja and Sundar defended with skill, left the ball brilliantly, and showed the kind of mental strength you want in Test cricket. They deserved every bit of it,” added Boycott.
