Ben Stokes threatened by England great as 'handshake controversy' turns ugly after Manchester draw

Former England cricketer Sir Geoffrey Boycott has slammed Ben Stokes and the English team for their reaction to India's refusal to shake hands and end the fourth Test early in Manchester. Boycott defended India's decision to continue batting, adding that the batters had worked hard for their centuries.

England pushed hard for a win on the final day of the fourth Test. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar added an unbeaten 203-run stand for the fifth wicket. Ben Stokes approached them with an offer to end the match in a draw when Jadeja (89) and Sundar (80) were at the crease.

The Indian duo chose to continue batting to reach personal milestones. However, their decision upset Stokes and the English team. Stokes handed the ball to part-timers Harry Brook and Joe Root. The match ended once both Indian batters reached their centuries, and the teams shook hands and walked off.

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Sir Geoffrey Boycott Sends Strong Message to Ben Stokes Over Handshake Controversy

Sir Geoffrey Boycott stated that India had every right to let their batters push for centuries, especially after saving the game. Boycott added that England should also be able to take it if they can dish it out.

“What goes around comes around. England were gobby enough when it suited them, so you can’t blame India for wanting to stay on and allow two batsmen who had worked their socks off to reach their hundreds,” Boycott wrote in his Telegraph column.

“If you give it, like England do, then you have to be able to take it. I could hear them through the stump mics chipping away at India, so why should they be nice to them and agree to go off when England have had enough," he added.

These India Players Are Tough Cookies - Sir Geoffrey Boycott

Boycott stated that modern Indian players are mentally tough and no longer bow to pressure from opponents like England. He said that if he were in Jadeja's or Sundar’s position, he wouldn’t have left the field, especially after working so hard to save the match.

“These India players are tough cookies. They do not take a backward step. There is no way I would have let anyone drag me off on 89 after I had worked hard all day to save the game for my team," Boycott wrote.

“Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar deserved their hundreds. They left the ball well, played with the full face of the bat and defended their wickets at all costs. Well done,” he added.

I’m Not Sure What It Is with Modern Players - Sir Geoffrey Boycott

The former England captain also raised his confusion over the modern trend of sledging in cricket. Boycott noted that such verbal tactics were rare during his era. He added that India would head into the final Test at The Oval with confidence, after denying England a win in Manchester.

“I’m not sure what it is with modern players. You hear a lot of them mouthing off. It never really happened when I was playing. It will carry on at the Oval and India will go there thinking they got a win at Old Trafford," wrote Boycott.

Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. He scored 141 runs and took 6 wickets for 105 runs. England lead the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-1. The fifth and final Test of the series will take place at The Oval from July 31. India will look to level the ongoing series.

Also read: Dale Steyn declares Ben Stokes a gentleman in handshake row, blasts Jadeja, Sundar for chasing 'free milestones'