England Cricket: Old Trafford Test Drama Highlights Mumbai’s Response and India’s Resolve

The hallowed turf of Old Trafford witnessed one of the most electrifying controversies in modern cricket history during the fourth Test of India’s 2025 tour to England. What should have been remembered as a testament to India’s extraordinary resilience instead became a flashpoint for heated debates about sportsmanship, ethics, and the spirit of cricket. England’s conduct during the final day sparked widespread condemnation from cricket legends and media outlets worldwide, raising fundamental questions about the nation’s cricketing identity.

Despite holding a commanding 2-1 series advantage, England found their moral authority severely questioned as emotions boiled over in Manchester. The controversy centered on a seemingly innocuous handshake offer that became anything but simple, ultimately exposing deeper fissures in England’s much-vaunted Bazball approach to Test cricket.

Match Overview: Setting the Stage for Controversy

Series Context and Build-Up

The fourth Test match between India and England took place from July 23-27, 2025, at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. England entered the contest leading the five-match series 2-1, needing just one more victory to clinch the series before heading to The Oval for the finale.

Toss and Team Selections

England captain Ben Stokes won the crucial toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit early moisture in the wicket. Both teams fielded strong lineups:

England Squad:

• Zak Crawley (opener)
• Ben Duckett (opener)
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook
• Ben Stokes (captain)
• Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
• Chris Woakes
• Jofra Archer
• Liam Dawson
• Brydon Carse

India Squad:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal (opener)
• KL Rahul (opener)
• Sai Sudharsan
• Shubman Gill (captain)
• Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Washington Sundar
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Shardul Thakur
• Akash Deep Kamboj
• Mohammed Siraj

First Innings: India’s Determined Effort

India’s first innings showcased the team’s characteristic fighting spirit, though they ultimately fell short of posting a dominant total.

India’s First Innings Scorecard

The innings revealed both India’s strengths and vulnerabilities. While Yashasvi Jaiswal’s attacking 58 and Sai Sudharsan’s patient 61 provided stability, the middle order collapsed at crucial junctures. Rishabh Pant’s explosive 54 off just 75 balls offered hope, but India couldn’t capitalize on the platform laid by their top order.

Shardul Thakur’s determined 41 from number eight demonstrated the depth in India’s batting lineup, while Washington Sundar’s 27 off 90 balls showed the kind of patience that would prove invaluable later in the match.

England’s Dominant Reply: Building an Imposing Lead

England’s response was devastating, with their batsmen executing the Bazball philosophy to perfection and piling on a massive 669 all out in 157.1 overs.

England’s First Innings Highlights

The English batting lineup fired on all cylinders. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett provided an explosive start, with Duckett particularly unfortunate to miss out on three figures by just six runs. Joe Root anchored the innings with a characteristic 150, displaying the technical excellence that has made him one of England’s greatest batsmen.

However, the innings belonged to captain Ben Stokes, whose blistering 141 off 198 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and three massive sixes, epitomized the aggressive intent of England’s approach. His innings not only demoralized the Indian bowlers but also established England’s commanding position in the match.

England’s first-innings lead: 311 runs

This substantial advantage put India in a precarious position, with conventional wisdom suggesting they would need to bat exceptionally well to save the Test match.

India’s Second Innings: The Great Escape Begins

Facing a deficit of 311 runs, India knew survival was paramount. What unfolded over the next 143 overs would become one of the most talked-about rearguard actions in recent Test cricket history.

India’s Second Innings Performance

The innings began disastrously for India, with the score reading 0/2 as England’s bowlers struck early. The situation looked dire, but cricket has a way of producing heroes when they’re needed most.

Day 5: Drama, Defiance, and the Handshake Controversy

The Morning Session: India on the Brink

Day 5 began with India trailing by 311 runs and having already lost two early wickets. The Manchester weather was overcast, conditions favoring England’s seam attack. Most experts predicted an England victory before lunch, with some even suggesting the match might not last until the afternoon session.

KL Rahul and Shubman Gill had other ideas. The pair batted with exceptional discipline, blunting England’s new-ball attack and gradually wearing down the bowlers. Gill, in particular, seemed determined to atone for his first-innings failure, playing each delivery on merit and refusing to take unnecessary risks.

The Captain’s Century: Gill Leads from the Front

Shubman Gill’s 103 off 238 balls represented leadership of the highest caliber. With a strike rate of just 43.28, this was far removed from Gill’s typically elegant strokeplay. Instead, it was an innings built on grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to team cause.

The young captain absorbed pressure, left balls outside off-stump with monastic discipline, and defended resolutely when required. His century provided the foundation for what would follow, eating up valuable overs and frustrating England’s plans.

The Fifth-Wicket Stand: Where Legends Were Made

When Rishabh Pant departed as the fourth wicket, India still needed to bat for considerable time to secure a draw. Enter Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, two all-rounders who would produce one of the most remarkable partnerships in Indian cricket history.

The Partnership Statistics:

• Runs added: 203* (unbroken)
• Overs faced: Approximately 60 overs
• Partnership type: Fifth wicket
• Result: Match-saving draw

Ravindra Jadeja: The Sword of Indian Cricket

Jadeja’s unbeaten 107 off 185 balls (strike rate 57.84) was a masterclass in Test match batting under pressure. Known primarily as a bowling all-rounder, Jadeja has consistently demonstrated his batting prowess in crucial situations.

This innings was different, though. It wasn’t just about runs; it was about occupying the crease, frustrating the opposition, and showing mental fortitude that would inspire generations of Indian cricketers. Every run was earned through concentration, every ball faced was a small victory against England’s increasingly desperate bowling attack.

Former England captain Alastair Cook, commentating on the match, praised Jadeja’s approach: “They were well within rights—not Harry Brook’s 37 km/h ball.” Cook’s comment referenced the controversial tactics England would employ later in the day, tactics that would overshadow the cricket itself.

Washington Sundar: A Maiden Century to Remember

For Washington Sundar, this innings represented the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. His maiden Test century—101 not out off 206 balls—was an innings of stunning maturity and technical correctness.

Sundar had always been regarded as a promising all-rounder, but questions persisted about his ability to perform consistently at the highest level. This innings silenced those doubts emphatically. Batting for over 200 deliveries requires not just skill but also tremendous mental strength, especially when carrying the weight of saving a Test match.

His father’s subsequent questioning of selector bias highlighted how this performance vindicated those who believed in Sundar’s potential. The innings proved he belonged at this level, that he could deliver when his team needed him most.

The Handshake Incident: Cricket’s Most Controversial Moment

The Offer and the Refusal

With approximately 15 overs remaining in the day’s play and both Jadeja and Sundar in the nervous nineties, Ben Stokes made a decision that would spark international controversy. He walked up to the Indian batsmen and offered a handshake, suggesting they call off the match as a draw.

The gesture appeared magnanimous on the surface—acknowledging the inevitable draw and allowing everyone to finish early. However, the reality was more complex. Both batsmen were tantalizingly close to personal milestones: maiden and career-defining centuries that they had fought 140-plus overs to achieve.

The Indian duo declined the handshake. They wanted to complete their centuries, to cross the finish line they had worked so hard to reach. This decision, entirely within the rules and spirit of the game, triggered a response from England that shocked the cricket world.

Harry Brook’s 37 km/h Deliveries: Mockery or Frustration?

What happened next transcended mere gamesmanship. Captain Ben Stokes turned to part-time bowler Harry Brook, who proceeded to deliver balls at a pedestrian 37 kilometers per hour—barely faster than a gentle throw. These deliveries were widely interpreted as mockery, a passive-aggressive response to India’s refusal to accept the handshake.

The cricketing world reacted with immediate and fierce criticism. Harsha Bhogle, one of cricket’s most respected commentators, stated unequivocally that players who had batted through 140 overs were entitled to their milestones. His comments reflected a broader sentiment that England’s response was petulant and unsportsmanlike.

Dale Steyn, the South African fast bowling legend, joined the chorus of criticism, suggesting England’s behavior revealed a troubling lack of respect for their opponents’ achievements.

The Defense: Kevin Pietersen’s Perspective

Not everyone condemned England’s actions. Former England batting star Kevin Pietersen offered a more sympathetic interpretation, attributing Stokes’s behavior to frustration with his own bowlers rather than malice toward India.

Pietersen argued that Stokes, having watched his bowling attack fail to break the partnership, acted out of exasperation rather than calculated disrespect. While this explanation provided some context, it did little to quell the controversy or restore England’s reputation.

Global Reactions: The Cricket World Weighs In

Alastair Cook’s Measured Response

As mentioned earlier, Alastair Cook—a man synonymous with English cricket excellence—defended India’s decision to bat on. His statement that “they were well within rights” carried significant weight given his stature in the game.

Cook’s criticism of the Harry Brook bowling tactic was particularly damning. By specifically mentioning the “37 km/h ball,” he drew attention to what many viewed as the most indefensible aspect of England’s behavior.

Gautam Gambhir’s Unequivocal Support

Former Indian opener and coach Gautam Gambhir was characteristically forthright in his support for Jadeja and Sundar. Gambhir emphasized that the players had earned the right to complete their centuries through sheer hard work and determination.

His comments reflected a broader Indian perspective: that England’s moral grandstanding was hypocritical given their own team’s on-field behavior.

Harsha Bhogle: The Voice of Reason

Harsha Bhogle’s intervention was crucial in shaping public opinion. As one of cricket’s most articulate and respected voices, Bhogle’s statement that players were entitled to their milestones after such a monumental effort carried enormous credibility.

Bhogle highlighted the fundamental unfairness of expecting players to sacrifice personal achievements for the convenience of the opposition. His analysis cut through the emotional rhetoric to focus on the substantive issues at stake.

Australian Media: “Spare Us the Whining”

Perhaps the most scathing criticism came from Australian media outlets, which branded England’s response as “shameless” and published headlines like “Spare us the whining.” The Australian cricket establishment has never been shy about criticizing what it perceives as sanctimonious behavior, and they viewed England’s conduct at Old Trafford as exactly that.

These criticisms were particularly significant because they came from a cricketing culture known for hard-nosed competitiveness. When Australian observers accuse you of unsportsmanlike conduct, it suggests the behavior was egregious indeed.

Ravindra Jadeja’s Definitive Statement

Amidst the controversy, Jadeja himself provided the most succinct and powerful response: “It’s not on me who decides when the game is over.”

This statement perfectly encapsulated the fundamental issue. The laws of cricket, not the captain’s handshake, determine when a match concludes. India had every right to continue batting, and Jadeja and Sundar had every right to pursue their centuries.

The comment also highlighted the absurdity of England’s position. By what authority could Stokes decide the match was over? The umpires hadn’t called time, the required overs hadn’t been bowled, and India hadn’t declared. Jadeja’s words exposed the entitled thinking underlying England’s behavior.

Tactical Analysis: The Broader Implications

India’s Tactical Vindication

India’s decision to bat on proved tactically sound on multiple levels:

1. Psychological advantage: By refusing to capitulate to England’s handshake offer, India demonstrated mental toughness that would prove valuable in future contests.

2. Confidence building: Jadeja and Sundar’s centuries provided immense confidence to India’s lower-middle order, showing they could compete with England’s vaunted batting lineup.

3. Momentum shift: What had looked like a comfortable 2-1 England series lead suddenly seemed less secure, with India carrying renewed belief into the final Test.

4. Individual rewards: Both batsmen earned career-defining moments that would inspire them for years to come.

England’s Strategic Misstep

England’s handling of the situation revealed several concerning issues:

1. Emotional decision-making: Stokes’s response appeared driven by frustration rather than strategic thinking, a worrying sign for a captain.

2. Public relations disaster: The incident generated overwhelmingly negative publicity for English cricket, undermining their claims to represent the “spirit of cricket.”

3. Team unity concerns: The visible frustration suggested possible tensions within the England camp about their bowling performance.

4. Ashes implications: With the prestigious Ashes series looming, England’s temperament and on-field behavior had come under intense scrutiny.

The Bazball Identity Crisis

The Philosophy Under Pressure

The “Bazball” approach—named after coach Brendon “Baz” McCullum and characterized by aggressive, attacking cricket—had revitalized English Test cricket. The philosophy emphasized positive intent, rapid scoring, and fearless decision-making.

However, the Old Trafford incident exposed potential limitations in this approach. When things don’t go according to plan, when opponents refuse to play along with England’s desired narrative, how does the team respond?

The answer, unfortunately, was poorly. The petulant reaction to India’s perfectly reasonable decision to complete their centuries suggested a team that expected others to bend to their will, rather than accepting the competitive realities of international cricket.

Aggression vs. Petulance

There’s a crucial distinction between aggressive, competitive cricket and petulant, disrespectful behavior. England’s conduct at Old Trafford crossed that line.

Bazball at its best represents fearless, entertaining cricket that challenges conventional wisdom. At its worst, as demonstrated in Manchester, it risks descending into entitled behavior that demands opponents comply with England’s preferences.

England’s Response: Squad Changes and Soul-Searching

Team Selection for The Oval

Ahead of the decisive fifth Test at The Oval, beginning July 31, 2025, England made significant changes to their squad. Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue were recalled to bolster the pace attack, suggesting England recognized their bowling had underperformed at Old Trafford.

These changes indicated England understood that their best response to the controversy was to refocus on cricket fundamentals. By strengthening their bowling attack, they aimed to avoid future situations where they felt compelled to use part-time bowlers in desperation.

Leadership Questions

The controversy inevitably raised questions about Ben Stokes’s captaincy. While his tactical acumen and personal performances remained exceptional, his emotional management and public behavior came under scrutiny.

Great captains must balance competitive fire with strategic clear-headedness. At Old Trafford, Stokes allowed frustration to dictate his decisions, leading to a PR disaster that overshadowed his team’s strong position in the series.

India’s Momentum: Carrying Confidence Forward

The Psychological Impact

India’s escape at Old Trafford provided immeasurable psychological value heading into the final Test. Having stared down defeat and emerged with a draw through sheer determination, the team gained confidence that would prove invaluable.

The knowledge that their lower-middle order could withstand sustained pressure from England’s attack fundamentally altered the series dynamics. England could no longer assume quick wickets; they knew India possessed the resilience to fight back from seemingly hopeless positions.

Individual Transformations

Both Jadeja and Sundar experienced career-defining moments that would reshape their international trajectories. Jadeja reinforced his reputation as one of cricket’s premier all-rounders, while Sundar announced himself as a genuine Test-quality player.

These personal triumphs would reverberate through Indian cricket, inspiring younger players and demonstrating the rewards of perseverance and mental toughness.

Historical Context: Similar Controversies

The Spirit of Cricket Debate

The Old Trafford controversy joins a long history of debates about cricket’s “spirit” versus its laws. From the underarm bowling incident to Mankading controversies, cricket has repeatedly grappled with the tension between written rules and unwritten codes.

England, ironically, has often positioned itself as the guardian of cricket’s spirit. The nation that gave the game to the world has historically claimed moral authority on matters of sportsmanship. The Manchester incident exposed the hollowness of such claims when they conflicted with competitive disappointment.

Lessons from Past Controversies

History teaches that controversies like this rarely fade quickly. The incident will be referenced in future discussions about sportsmanship, used as a case study in what not to do when emotions run high during Test matches.

For England, the challenge will be learning from this episode without letting it undermine their confidence or aggressive approach. The Bazball philosophy has merit; the execution at Old Trafford did not.

The Road to The Oval: Series Conclusion Awaits

The Stakes

The fifth Test at The Oval carried enormous significance beyond the series result. Both teams needed to demonstrate character and composure after the Manchester drama.

For England, victory would secure the series 3-1 and validate their approach despite the controversy. For India, a win would level the series 2-2, representing a remarkable comeback from 2-1 down and vindicating their fighting spirit.

Key Factors to Watch

Several elements would prove decisive at The Oval:

1. England’s bowling changes: Would Overton and Tongue make the difference?
2. India’s lower-order confidence: Could they replicate their Manchester resilience?
3. Stokes’s leadership: Would he manage emotions more effectively?
4. Public pressure: How would both teams handle the intense scrutiny following the controversy?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the final result of the 4th Test between England and India at Old Trafford?

The match ended in a draw after India’s remarkable fightback. India were bowled out for 358 in their first innings, while England responded with a massive 669 all out, establishing a 311-run lead. In their second innings, India reached 425/4 in 143 overs before the match concluded as a draw, with Ravindra Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (101*) batting heroically through Day 5.

2. Why did Ben Stokes offer the handshake to the Indian batsmen before the match concluded?

With approximately 15 overs remaining and the draw inevitable, Ben Stokes approached the Indian batsmen to offer a handshake and end the match early. However, both Jadeja and Sundar were in the nervous nineties, close to completing career-defining centuries after batting through 140-plus overs. The Indian duo declined, preferring to reach their personal milestones, which was entirely within their rights under the rules of cricket.

3. Was India’s decision to bat on for centuries unsportsmanlike?

Absolutely not. Cricket experts including former England captain Alastair Cook, commentator Harsha Bhogle, and former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir all supported India’s decision. After batting through such a marathon innings and fighting to save the Test match, Jadeja and Sundar were fully entitled to complete their centuries. The rules of cricket dictate when matches end, not premature handshake offers from the opposition captain.

4. What was controversial about Harry Brook’s bowling?

After India declined the handshake, Ben Stokes turned to part-time bowler Harry Brook, who delivered balls at an extraordinarily slow 37 kilometers per hour—barely faster than a gentle throw. This was widely interpreted as mockery and a passive-aggressive response to India’s refusal to end the match early. The tactic drew widespread condemnation from cricket legends and media worldwide as unsportsmanlike and disrespectful.

5. How did the international cricket community react to England’s behavior?

The reaction was overwhelmingly critical of England. Harsha Bhogle and Dale Steyn condemned the behavior, Alastair Cook defended India’s right to bat on, Gautam Gambhir unequivocally supported Jadeja and Sundar, and Australian media published headlines like “Spare us the whining,” calling England’s conduct “shameless.” Only Kevin Pietersen offered a sympathetic view, suggesting Stokes acted from frustration rather than malice.

6. What were the individual highlights of the match?

For England, Joe Root’s 150 and Ben Stokes’s 141 in the first innings were standout performances. For India, Shubman Gill’s captain’s knock of 103 in the second innings provided the foundation for survival. However, the match belonged to Ravindra Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (101*), whose unbroken 203-run partnership for the fifth wicket saved the Test and earned them career-defining centuries.

7. What changes did England make to their squad for the final Test at The Oval?

England recalled Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue to strengthen their pace bowling attack ahead of the fifth Test beginning July 31, 2025. These changes acknowledged that England’s bowling had underperformed at Old Trafford, failing to break the crucial Jadeja-Sundar partnership when it mattered most.

8. What were the broader implications of this controversy for the Bazball approach and England’s reputation?

The incident exposed potential limitations in England’s aggressive Bazball philosophy, raising questions about how the team responds when opponents don’t comply with their desired narrative. The controversy damaged England’s reputation as guardians of cricket’s spirit and raised concerns about their temperament ahead of the Ashes series. Many observers suggested the incident revealed an identity crisis within English cricket, highlighting the fine line between aggressive competitiveness and entitled petulance.

Conclusion: Character Tested, Questions Unanswered

The fourth Test at Old Trafford will be remembered not for the quality of cricket—though that was exceptional—but for the controversy that overshadowed it. England’s conduct during the final day sparked a global debate about sportsmanship, entitlement, and the true meaning of cricket’s spirit.

India’s magnificent fightback, embodied in the unbeaten centuries of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, deserved to be celebrated without qualification. Instead, England’s petulant response to a perfectly reasonable decision dominated headlines and commentary.

As the series moved to The Oval for its climactic conclusion, both teams carried lessons from Manchester. India learned they could compete with and frustrate England even in seemingly hopeless situations. England learned—or should have learned—that emotional reactions and moral grandstanding are poor substitutes for sustained excellence and genuine respect for opponents.

The controversy positioned the fifth Test as more than a series decider. It became a referendum on character, temperament, and what modern Test cricket should represent. England led 2-1, but their authority had been questioned. India trailed but carried momentum and belief.

In the end, the Old Trafford Test reminded us that cricket at its highest level is about more than runs and wickets. It’s about character under pressure, respect for opponents, and understanding that the greatest achievements come from perseverance rather than premature capitulation. Jadeja and Sundar understood this perfectly. England, unfortunately, did not.

The stage was set for a fascinating finale at The Oval, where cricketing excellence would hopefully take center stage once again, pushing the handshake controversy into history while determining which team truly deserved victory in this compelling series.

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Helpful Resources

• Hindustan Times – Cook, Jadeja & Sundar controversy

• Times of India – Harsha Bhogle on handshake debate

• The Guardian – Jadeja and Sundar centuries save Test

• Economic Times – Lesson from Manchester

• Reddit discussion – fan reaction to Test drama