England vs. India Fourth Test: Handshake Controversy Fuels Ashes Tensions

In a dramatic conclusion to the fourth Test match between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester, tensions flared as England’s captain Ben Stokes sought a handshake to acknowledge a draw, which was vehemently declined by the Indian side. This incident, occurring on July 29, 2025, not only highlights the competitive spirit between the two cricketing nations but also raises questions about sportsmanship and the ongoing dynamics of the Ashes series.

India's resilience was on full display as they salvaged a draw, thanks to a remarkable performance by captain Shubman Gill, who scored a century, and an unbeaten 203-run partnership between all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. The tourists managed to lose only four wickets across 143 overs in their second innings, turning the tide after England appeared on the verge of victory.

The match reached a pivotal moment when Stokes, frustrated by the situation, suggested a handshake to conclude the contest. However, India opted to continue batting until Jadeja and Sundar achieved their personal milestones—both nearing centuries at 89 and 80 runs, respectively. This decision led to a 15-minute period filled with taunts from the English players, while part-time bowler Harry Brook's lackluster deliveries were perceived as a protest against the Indian team’s refusal to comply with the draw.

Reactions to the incident have been varied within the cricketing community. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen defended Stokes, arguing that the captain’s frustration was justified given the strenuous conditions of the match and the upcoming series finale. “You cannot have a pop at Ben Stokes for his frustration. Very easy to have a pop at him when you’re sitting in your lounge watching. You’re NOT in the battle,” Pietersen stated via social media.

Conversely, former England batter Jonathan Trott expressed that Stokes would likely have been more accommodating had the roles been reversed, suggesting that England's fixation on results often overshadows individual achievements. “I don’t think England would have had the personal milestones on their mind personally, that’s just my view,” Trott remarked during a discussion on Jio Hotstar.

Adding to the discourse, Nasser Hussain, another former captain, emphasized that Jadeja and Sundar deserved the chance to complete their innings, highlighting the significance of personal milestones in the context of team sports. “They played well, they deserved the draw, they deserved to be there at the end,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.

The incident has not only ignited debate among cricket analysts but also caught the attention of the media. English cricket journalist Cameron Ponsonby criticized the team's behavior, suggesting it reflects a broader identity crisis within England's cricketing ethos. He noted that the team’s attempt to balance aggression with humility has led to contradictory actions on the field.

The implications of this incident are profound, as the attitudes displayed by both teams could influence the final Test match set to commence at The Oval. Nick Hoult of The Telegraph pointed out that the handshake drama could serve to intensify the rivalry ahead of next summer’s Ashes. “A familiar storm is gathering and England gave it plenty of energy,” he noted.

As the cricketing world awaits the conclusion of this thrilling series, it is evident that the underlying tensions, competitive spirit, and the quest for personal accolades will continue to shape narratives in cricket. England and India’s rivalry is not merely about winning matches but also about the principles of sportsmanship and respect on the field.

The fifth Test between England and India is scheduled to take place on Thursday, promising yet another chapter in this captivating saga of international cricket.