Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has not held back in his criticism of the England team’s behaviour during the tense final hour of the drawn Manchester Test. The drama unfolded on Day 5 when Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, both unbeaten on 89, were batting India to safety. With the match heading toward a draw and centuries within touching distance, England captain Ben Stokes reportedly urged the Indian batters to call off the match.
The Indian duo, however, chose to carry on—sparking visible frustration in the English camp. What followed was a barrage of sarcastic jibes. Ben Stokes allegedly questioned Jadeja’s intent, asking if he truly wanted to reach his hundred against part-timers like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett. Zak Crawley chimed in too, taunting Jadeja for not scoring faster if a century was indeed his goal.
Ravindra Jadeja, calm and composed, responded that it wasn’t his decision to continue but one taken by India’s team management—coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill. Eventually, both batters reached their respective tons before the match concluded in a handshake. Yet, the English side’s attitude didn’t sit well with the Indian camp—or with Ashwin.
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Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin slammed what he called England’s “double standards.” “Have you heard of the term double standards?” Ashwin asked pointedly. “The definition was on display in those last ten minutes.”
Ashwin particularly questioned Stokes’ logic and reaction. “You shake hands and claim to be frustrated, then say the other guy shouldn’t score a hundred? Why not? He’s earned it. You want him to walk away just before a century after batting all day? And then you mock him for facing Harry Brook? That’s your problem, not his.”
Ashwin’s critique extended to Stokes’ role as a leader and ambassador of the “spirit of cricket.” He sarcastically suggested Stokes should have kept Harry Brook bowling for 15 more overs if he truly believed in that spirit.
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“That would’ve been the best ad for the spirit of the game,” Ashwin quipped. He also hit back at Zak Crawley’s remark about batting faster. “Who are you to decide how someone scores a century? That’s up to the batter. Play your game, let others play theirs.”
Ashwin’s passionate response reflects a broader sentiment—one that values respect, consistency, and the right to celebrate hard-earned achievements, regardless of the scoreboard.
