Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has taken aim at his country’s Test side after the controversial end to the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford. The match, which was destined to end in a draw, saw Ben Stokes offer an early handshake to Indian captain Shubman Gill with around 15 overs remaining. India declined the offer and continued batting, allowing Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to reach their respective centuries.
Boycott defended India’s decision, stating that players who had fought hard to save the Test deserved to complete their personal milestones. He argued that if England were willing to dish out verbal and tactical pressure when in control of games, they should also accept it when the tables are turned. “What goes around comes around,” he said, adding that if he had been in India’s position, he would have done the same.
The refusal of the early draw offer did not sit well with the England team. Stokes and his players showed visible frustration on the field, even resorting to using part-time bowlers and fielding changes that highlighted their displeasure. Critics have since accused England of poor sportsmanship, with many pointing out that Test cricket has no rule obligating a side to accept an early handshake.
India’s camp, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, strongly defended the move. He stressed that Jadeja and Sundar had earned the right to reach three figures after enduring immense pressure to salvage the match. Captain Shubman Gill echoed the sentiment, noting that “a Test hundred is a Test hundred,” and that such milestones are moments players cherish for a lifetime, especially when they come in high-pressure scenarios.
Boycott’s criticism extended beyond the incident itself. He questioned England’s attitude and suggested the focus should have remained on improving their bowling rather than worrying about the time taken to finish a drawn match. He also pointed out that a lack of penetration in England’s attack had contributed to the situation, with part-time bowlers being their only real option by the end of the game.
The episode has reignited debate around sporting spirit and etiquette in Test cricket. While some former players argued that an early handshake is a sign of mutual respect once the result is clear, others maintained that every team has the right to play until the last ball, especially when personal milestones and hard-earned performances are on the line.
As the series heads into a decisive fifth Test, the controversy has added spice to an already tense contest. For Boycott, the lesson is simple: if you are willing to impose pressure on opponents when you hold the upper hand, you must also respect their choice when they take their moment. In his words, “If you give it, you must be able to take it.”