India England Double Standard
The India England double standard controversy became a major topic in the cricket world after Day 5 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. It all began in the final hour of the match when India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were nearing personal milestones—Jadeja on 89 and Washington on 80. England skipper Ben Stokes, sensing no outright result was possible, offered a handshake to signal a draw.
However, India refused. The two batters chose to continue batting, determined to reach their centuries. The move sparked sharp reactions, particularly from former India off-spinner R Ashwin, who openly criticized England’s behavior. India England double standard
Ashwin Calls Out England’s Double Standards
Ashwin did not hold back. On his YouTube channel, he strongly condemned England’s approach, calling it a clear case of “double standards.” India England double standard
“Have you heard of double standards?” Ashwin asked rhetorically. “They batted us out of the game, played our bowlers all day, and suddenly when our batters are approaching their hundreds, they want to shake hands and leave the field? Why should we accept that?”
Ashwin emphasized that Test centuries are earned through effort and patience, not handed over or waived off because the opposition is tired. India England double standard
“If you didn’t want a part-timer like Harry Brook to bowl, then bring back your main bowlers. It was your call to send Brook, not ours,” he added, responding to Stokes’ sarcastic comment to Jadeja.
India Stays Firm, Reaps the Rewards
Despite England’s handshake offer, Jadeja and Washington continued batting. Eventually, both achieved their goals. Jadeja brought up another elegant Test century, while Washington Sundar celebrated his maiden hundred in the longest format. India England double standard
Only after their personal milestones were achieved did India agree to the draw. This decision was widely praised in the Indian cricket fraternity, including from legend Sunil Gavaskar.
“If I were the Indian captain, I would’ve used all 15 overs,” Gavaskar said on Sony Sports, adding that India had every right to make their batters achieve their centuries.
Ashwin echoed that stance. “They earned those runs. They should be allowed to complete the job they started,” he said. India England double standard
Ben Stokes Shows Frustration
England captain Ben Stokes later explained that his decision to offer the draw stemmed from not wanting to risk injury to his tired bowlers. But as the match dragged on with Indian batters continuing to bat, England’s body language changed. India England double standard
At one point, Stokes was caught on camera making a sarcastic remark to Jadeja: “You’re going to get a Test hundred against Harry Brook?”
This did not sit well with many in the cricketing world. Ashwin, in response, said:
“You ask him that? A century is a century. Bring Steve Harmison or Freddie Flintoff if you want to make it tougher. That doesn’t change the value of Test runs.”
Cricket Fraternity Supports India
The India England double standard issue soon caught global attention. Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin condemned England’s attitude, saying their frustration was due to the game not going their way. India England double standard
“India earned the right to stay out there. They fought hard on Day 5. England couldn’t get a result, so they wanted to stop. That’s not how Test cricket works,” Haddin said on the Willow Talk Podcast.
Former England captain Alastair Cook also defended India’s move. He mentioned that the act of continuing to bat would give India momentum heading into the fifth and final Test at The Oval.
“I thought it was the right call. Momentum matters, and both Jadeja and Washington deserved those hundreds,” Cook noted on BBC’s Test Match Special.
Even Nasser Hussain, known for his no-nonsense analysis, felt Stokes’ decision to bowl Harry Brook was unnecessary. India England double standard
“They didn’t need to bowl Brook and look silly. Two Indian players worked hard for their centuries. Give them that credit. Let’s not make a big deal out of it,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.
Bigger Than the Scoreboard
While the match ended in a draw, India walked away with their heads held high. The final moments reflected more than just statistics—they showed character, patience, and respect for the game. For both Jadeja and Washington, those centuries will remain career highlights. But more importantly, they symbolized the spirit of Test cricket.
The India England double standard controversy showed the contrast in how each side views the traditions of the game. Where England saw the end as inevitable and wanted to rest their players, India saw an opportunity to honor individual achievement within the team effort. India England double standard
Test cricket, after all, is as much about mental strength and pride as it is about numbers. India’s refusal to back down has already inspired many and may influence future behavior in drawn Tests.
The Aftermath and What Lies Ahead
This episode may have long-lasting effects. Cricket boards may need to revisit the protocols around handshake offers, especially when players are nearing major milestones. It’s also a reminder that the spirit of the game involves mutual respect—not just in winning or losing but in effort and recognition.
India’s approach could serve them well in the final Test. With the momentum on their side and team morale high, they head to The Oval looking to level the series 2-2.
The India England double standard narrative might fade with time, but the lesson it leaves behind will linger. Stand for your effort, respect the grind, and never let others dictate how you celebrate your milestones. India England double standard
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