Former England Captain Critiques Ben Stokes' Bowling Decision in Fourth Test

In a recent cricket match, former England captain Nasir Hussain criticized Ben Stokes for his decision to bowl Harry Brook after Jadeja and Sundar declined to end the game early. Hussain argued that both players deserved their chance to score centuries. The situation escalated when Sundar avoided a direct answer to a question from Cheteshwar Pujara, while Sanjay Manjrekar remarked on Stokes' behavior. This incident has sparked discussions about player rights and strategies in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2025, 08:37 IST

Controversy Surrounds Bowling Change

Nasir Hussain, the former captain of England, criticized Ben Stokes' decision to bring Harry Brook into the bowling attack after Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar rejected the proposal to end the fourth Test early. Hussain labeled the move as ‘foolishness’.

He emphasized that both Jadeja and Sundar had earned their centuries. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hussain stated, “I had no issue with Jadeja and Sundar continuing their batting. It seemed to be a problem for England. They were a bit fatigued, and the bowlers were tired, which is why they wanted to leave the field. However, both players worked hard to reach 80 and 90 runs and aimed to score centuries in the Test match.”

He added, “Stokes didn’t need to look foolish by bowling Brook at the end. We tend to give too much importance to these matters. They played well, and full credit goes to India.”

When Cheteshwar Pujara posed the same question to Washington Sundar, he chose to sidestep the issue. Sundar remarked on JioHotstar, “I think everyone saw what happened on TV, and I believe they all enjoyed it.”

Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar expressed that the Indian batsmen had every right to continue playing as they saw fit. He commented on JioHotstar, “I think Ben Stokes acted like a spoiled child in the end.”