IND vs ENG 2025: Ashwin Slams England’s “Double Standards” After Manchester Test Draw

Ravichandran Ashwin has hit out at England for what he called “double standards” during the final hour of the drawn fourth Test in Manchester. His comments came after England offered to end the match early, a move that sparked debate in the cricket world.

India Refused to Walk Off

With the game heading for a draw, England captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to call it off early. But India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined. Both were in the 90s and wanted to stay on to complete their centuries.

Ashwin backed their choice.

“Have you heard the term double standards?” he said on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat. “They played your bowlers all day, batted you out, and suddenly, when they’re nearing hundreds, you want to walk off? Why should they?”

Ashwin said centuries are earned, not gifted. He added, “You ask, ‘You want to make a hundred against Harry?’ Not Brook, brother. He has to make a hundred. Bring any bowler – they won’t object.”

Experts Back India

Ashwin also mocked England’s decision to give the ball to part-timer Harry Brook in the final overs. “Call Steve Harmison, call Andrew Flintoff for all we care. It was your call to bring Brook, not ours,” he said.

Sunil Gavaskar said India were right to bat the full 15 overs left in the day. Brad Haddin called England’s early handshake offer “poor sportsmanship” and praised India’s fighting attitude.

Even former England captain Alastair Cook sided with India. He said personal milestones like hundreds can boost confidence for the next game.

Nasser Hussain was critical of England’s move to bowl Brook. He said India showed true determination and deserved full credit.

The incident has kicked off a bigger debate: should sportsmanship mean calling it off early, or is playing to the end a sign of respect for the game? Judging by the reactions, most agree with India’s decision to play on.