Mark Ramprakash Critiques England's Conduct During Jadeja's Milestone

Controversy on the Final Day of the Fourth Test

Manchester [UK], July 28: Former cricketer Mark Ramprakash expressed his disapproval regarding the confrontation between India’s Ravindra Jadeja and the England players during the concluding day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

As the match reached its climax on Day 5, India fought valiantly to keep the series alive, thanks to a resilient 203-run partnership between Ravindra Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (101*).

With a draw on the horizon, England's captain Ben Stokes approached the Indian duo to shake hands and conclude the match. However, with Jadeja on 89 and Sundar on 80, the two left-handers declined the offer. Shortly after, England bowled, and Jadeja hit a six off Harry Brook, marking his fifth Test century.

Mark shared his thoughts on the exchange, suggesting it did not cast England in a favorable light. He pondered how England would have reacted if they were in India's position.

“You have to wonder if England had a player on 90 not out, would we have continued? We hear about England players being very proud of their milestones at Lord’s and other venues because those achievements are significant. I can understand India’s perspective,” Mark stated during an interview with Sky Sports Cricket.

Stokes was overheard on the stump mic asking Jadeja, “Jaddu, do you want to get a Test 100 against Brook & Duckett?” Jadeja replied, “What do you want me to do, just walk off?” Zak Crawley, who was nearby, suggested, “You can, just shake your hand.”

Mark noted that the comments captured by the stump microphone did not reflect well on Stokes’ team, which has been revitalizing Test cricket with their impressive performances. “It’s a shame to focus on this when the cricket has been of such high quality,” he added.

After Washington achieved his first Test century, the match concluded with players departing the field. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was asked about the incident post-match and responded succinctly.

“If someone’s batting on 90 and another on 85, don’t they deserve their centuries? Would England have walked off if their players were nearing milestones? No. Our boys faced the challenge and earned their centuries. We’re not here to satisfy anyone,” Gambhir told reporters at the press conference.