Eng vs Ind: Geoffrey Boycott slaps Ben Stokes and England for shameful driving at Manchester Test
Ancient England captain Geoffrey boycott struck at Ben Stokes and his team for their driving on the last day of the fourth test of Anderson-Tendulkar trophy In Old Trafford, Manchester. The boycott criticized the reaction of England after Indian strikers Ravira Jadaja And Washington Sundar rejected Stokes’ proposal to recall the game early and settle for a draw.
Drama of Ben Stokes and Co. Day 5 of the Manchester test
Day 5 in Manchester witnessed an unexpected turn when Jadeja and Sundar, striking 89 and 80 respectively, refused the offer of Stokes to shake hands for a draw. Despite the match moving towards a dead end, the Indian pair continued to beat, after saving India from a deficit of 311 points. This decision has obviously frustrated the captain of England, who appeared animated and exchanged words with the Indian players.
While the rules of rules allow the two captains to accept each other a draw, the Indians stood firm, aimed at reaching their personal steps while presenting their resilience in a hard competition.
Geoffrey Boycott criticizes the hypocrisy of England
Boycott underlined the double standard for the reaction of England to India’s decision to continue to strike. He stressed that Stokes and his men are known for their aggressive behavior on the ground, often opponents by dragging to win a psychological advantage. Boycott argued that it was unreasonable for England to expect a courtesy of India when they themselves had “touched” to Indian strikers throughout the match. According to him, Jadeja and Sundar had the right to continue, especially after their monumental effort to save the game, and England simply needed to accept the situation rather than complaining.
“What is happening happens. England has never retained from adversaries, so they cannot complain if India decides to stay. Jadeja and Sundar have fought their hearts, and they have gained the right to go for hundreds. If England can do it, they should be able to support it,” Boycott wrote in his column for the telegraph.
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Boycott praises the mental strength of India
In his second statement, Boycott applauded Jadeja and Sundar for their pressure resilience. He stressed that the Indian pair’s decision to continue to strike did not only concern personal milestones, but also the testimony of their determination and their discipline. By leaving deliveries outside the abandonment, defending firmly and refusing to give in, the two strikers showed the mental tenacity that the requirements of Cricket Tests. The boycott even admitted that, in their position, it would have done the same – stressing how their refusal to leave symbolized the combat spirit of India.
“These players from India are hard cookies. There is no way that I would have left out of 89 after having fought all day to save the match. Jadeja and Sundar defended with jurisdiction, left the ball brilliantly and showed the kind of mental force you want in the test cricket. They deserved each little,” Boycott added.
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