The recent fourth Test between England and India has set the stage for an exhilarating Ashes series, following England’s dramatic escape at Old Trafford. Faced with a potential series-losing defeat, Indian batsmen Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja staged a remarkable comeback, securing a draw to keep the series alive. Despite their efforts, Sundar and Jadeja faced criticism from English players for not shaking hands, amid jibes from captain Ben Stokes about the nature of their centuries against a part-time bowler, Harry Brook.
As the match concluded, tensions flared with an icy handshake between the teams. Stokes acknowledged the Indian players’ resilience but downplayed their achievements, suggesting their satisfaction would not stem merely from personal milestones. This prompted Indian coach Gautam Gambhir to defend his players, asserting they deserved recognition for their performances.
The exchanges between both teams have generated significant discussion, with some critics noting that England’s behaviour at the end of the match reflected poorly on them. Journalists pointed out that such ungracious conduct could intensify rivals’ disdain as England heads into the Ashes series against Australia. Former players have weighed in too; Kevin Pietersen defended Stokes’s frustration, while Jonathan Trott suggested that if the situations were reversed, England would have behaved differently.
While many former players praised Jadeja and Sundar’s achievements, they also lamented the narrative around the match shifting from India’s fightback to England’s questionable sportsmanship. With the Ashes looming and Australia eager to reclaim the urn after past defeats, the tension between the two nations seems primed for a fiery competition.
As Australia prepares after a mixed performance in the World Test Championship, they are expected to remember England’s recent antics. Former wicketkeeper Brad Haddin hinted at the potential for fresh hostilities, noting that player reactions to stress during the match might come back to haunt them. In contrast, Mitchell Johnson pointed out the need for England to balance aggressive talk with substantial on-field performances, as their record against Australia has been lacklustre since 2010-11.
As the fifth Test against India approaches, England aims to solidify their lead in the series and build momentum heading into the Ashes, commencing November 21 in Perth. Their recent experiences, however, indicate a brewing rivalry that promises intense encounters as both teams vie for supremacy.