A recently resurfaced video from the 2016–17 Rajkot Test between India and England has sparked a fresh debate, showcasing then-India captain Virat Kohli accepting England’s offer for a draw. This footage has gone viral, especially after India’s bold stance in the fourth Test at Old Trafford in July 2025, where Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar turned down a similar offer from Ben Stokes. The stark contrast between these two moments has ignited conversations about sportsmanship, intentions, and priorities during the nail-biting final moments of hard-fought Test matches.

During the 2016 Rajkot Test, England set India a challenging target of 310 runs in 49 overs on the last day. As wickets fell, Kohli, alongside Ashwin and Jadeja, steadied the innings, bringing India to 172/6. Although Kohli was just one run shy of his half-century, he chose to accept Alastair Cook’s offer to draw the match, putting team strategy and the match situation ahead of personal achievements. This decision was praised at the time for its practicality and the mutual respect shown between the teams.

See Also: Gill rates Manchester ton as his best, credits KL Rahul for sparking belief

Fast forward to July 2025 at Old Trafford, India faced a daunting 311-run deficit after England posted 669 in the first innings. Despite early setbacks, Indian batters mounted a stellar comeback, with Gill (103), Rahul (90), Jadeja (107*), and Sundar (101*) leading the charge. As India reached 386/4 late on Day 5, Stokes offered a handshake to draw the match. However, the Indian batters declined, choosing to continue and complete their centuries, sparking conversation about changing attitudes in high-stakes cricket.

My man was never obessed to personal milestones. He never looked for personal milestones ahead of the team. pic.twitter.com/ya7dAT1WSe

— Abhay (@abhiiiisays) July 28, 2025

 I wasn't going to be risking any of my frontline bowlers: Ben Stokes

Unlike in 2016, Jadeja and Sundar chose not to accept the draw offer. Both batters were in their 90s and were determined to reach personal milestones while also sealing India’s remarkable comeback in style. Their decision left the English camp visibly frustrated. In response, Ben Stokes handed the ball to part-timer Harry Brook. Jadeja reached his century with a towering six, and Sundar soon followed with his maiden Test hundred. Although initially disappointed, Stokes later commended the Indian duo, explaining that his offer stemmed from a packed schedule and concern for his frontline bowlers.

It was in the evening session of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford in Manchester when Rishabh Pant went for a premeditated sweep and got hit on the bridge of his foot. He looked in serious pain and left the field on a golf cart, as questions remain if he could bat in the remainder of the clash.

Now, the former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has sparked a new debate on the issue, arguing that teams should be allowed to make substitutions in cases of these injuries. He reckoned that this would keep the balance and excitement in a game.

See Also: [WATCH] Rishabh Pant leaves field with injury during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

‘I don’t like the fact now that we have got four days’ of action left in the game, where we have an incredible series and have ten versus eleven. I prefer that you have a sub. Once they brought out the concussion sub, I was crying out that let’s have substitutions in the first innings of the game, and that would be my stepping point, that if it goes into the second innings of the game.’ Vaughan expressed during a recent interaction on Test Match Special.  

Watch: Former England captains debate on substitution after Rishabh Pant’s injury in ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester   

‘I feel teams might break the rules or engage in skullduggery. When someone breaks a hand or breaks a foot or ruptures a calf, it’s obvious that they can’t carry on. It's very clear to me that you should be allowed for a sub.’ He added.

Should Test cricket introduce substitutions?

Rishabh Pant's injury has prompted some fierce debate on the TMS podcast 🗣 🤔#BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/1jfAbpRs6y

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 23, 2025

Another former leader of the side, Sir Alastair Cook, was unsure about accepting the idea, given that he raised a different part of the story and questioned the discrepancy between a broken foot and a bruise.

‘Just say, we have seen Pant walk off there and look all kinds of pain. And it’s not broken. So, there is nothing on the X-ray. It’s just a bruise. Then he has to play on. But he says I can’t walk. If he has broken his foot, then it’s different. But in case you get hit in the arm, I can’t move. Then you get replaced because it’s uncomfortable, but you can’t hold a bat as you would have liked, but you only have a bruise.’ Cook shed light.

The Indian team maintained a fiery presence on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s, continuing their aggressive tactics against the England batters. Following a tense final over on Day 3, which saw several verbal exchanges with England’s openers, India didn’t hold back and kept the pressure on with a charged-up attitude.

Mohammed Siraj, known for his passionate on-field attitude, was at the center of the action. The pace bowler added intensity to the game by constantly challenging the England batters and making life uncomfortable at the crease. His energy peaked when he dismissed Ben Duckett and delivered a fiery send-off, which drew plenty of attention.

The incident sparked criticism from former England captain Alastair Cook, who took issue with Siraj’s over-the-top reaction. Cook expressed concern over the level of aggression, particularly from a bowler of Siraj’s stature, questioning whether such celebrations were in the spirit of the game during an already heated contest.

See Also: Star India pacer fined for Code of Conduct Breach after Day 4 Lord's Test incident

Alastair Cook Criticises Siraj’s Celebration Action:

Veteran England captain Alastair Cook felt Mohammed Siraj’s celebration went overboard. He believed there was no reason for the Indian pacer to shout directly at Ben Duckett after dismissing him. He further stated that such behavior was unnecessary and suggested that Siraj should face consequences for his on-field conduct during Day 4 of the Lord’s Test.

On BBC Test Match Special, Cook said, “ That’s unacceptable, but who is to blame now? Whether Duckett walked right into him and knew exactly what he was doing. Then again, you shouldn’t shout in someone’s face like that. I wholeheartedly say that was wrong. There should be no physical contact. Yes, celebrate a wicket like you mean it. But you’ve got him out; you don’t need to look him in the eye from three inches and shout in his face. So I expect there to be repercussions, and there should be repercussions. That is my opinion. I thought that crossed the line.”

Siraj Faces Consequences for His Action:

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee after a tense exchange with England opener Ben Duckett during the third Test at Lord’s. The incident took place on Sunday, July 13, during a fiery spell from the pacer.

Siraj was found guilty of committing a Level 1 offence under the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The fine was imposed due to his on-field behavior, which was deemed to breach the code of conduct set by the ICC. This penalty reflects the seriousness with which the ICC views player discipline and conduct.

Cricketing icons including Eoin Morgan, Sir Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, and Ian Bell will headline the England Champions squad in the second edition of the sanctioned World Championship of Legends (WCL), running from July 18 to August 2 across the UK. This powerhouse lineup revives a golden era of English cricket, bolstered by the return of versatile all-rounders Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, and Dimitri Mascarenhas, as well as a formidable pace attack led by Liam Plunkett, Chris Tremlett, Ajmal Shahzad, Ryan Sidebottom, and Stuart Meaker, complemented by wicket-keepers Phil Mustard and Tim Ambrose

“Leading England to World Cup glory was a defining moment,” said Eoin Morgan. “Playing WCL with legends I’ve shared the field with is a different kind of pride.” His words reflect the blend of nostalgia and national pride that defines this event.

With Edgbaston hosting several marquee matches, CEO Stuart Cain described WCL as “a celebration of greatness and a homecoming for our heroes.” WCL founder Harshit Tomar added, “This is where stories are retold and legends relive their prime.” Team owner Praveen Sharma echoed the competitive spirit, stating, “We’re here to win and inspire a new generation.”

See Also: WCL 2025: Australia Champions announced their squad for upcoming season

England Champions Squad – WCL 2025

The England Champions 2025 WCL team consists of: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Sir Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Liam Plunkett, Chris Tremlett, Ajmal Shahzad, Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Meaker, Phil Mustard, Usman Afzaal, and Tim Ambrose

Cricket is set to relive its golden days as the World Championship of Legends (WCL) returns with even greater fervor. Among the highlights of Season 2 is the much-anticipated return of some of England’s most iconic cricketing figures—Eoin Morgan, Sir Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, and Ian Bell—who will don the jersey of the England Champions. These legends, as part of England's cricketing greatness over the years, are about to bring their experience and magic to the shortest format once again.

The England Champions team is supported by the likes of Liam Plunkett, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, and Chris Tremlett—all of whom, in addition to experience, possess the potent combination of tactical thinking and match-winning ability. Speaking on this exciting return, former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan shared, “Leading England to World Cup glory was a defining moment in my career—but playing in WCL with legends I've shared the field with is a different kind of pride. We're bringing back memories and making new ones. England Champions are here to compete, entertain, and win.”

Adding to the enthusiasm, Praveen Sharma, Owner of England Champions, remarked, "We're proud to field a team that defines English cricket's golden era. These legends shaped an entire generation of cricket, and now, they're back on home soil—where it all began. We're here to win and to inspire." His sentiments echoed the larger purpose of this league: to honor cricketing excellence while entertaining fans across the globe.

Edgbaston to Host England’s Finest Once Again

Stuart Cain, Chief Executive of Edgbaston, emphasized the significance of the moment: “Having legends like Morgan, Cook, Moeen, and Bell back at Edgbaston is special—not just for fans but for the spirit of the game. This is more than nostalgia. It's about celebrating greatness and bringing world-class cricket back to where it belongs. We're thrilled to be part of WCL's journey again.”

See Also: ENG vs IND, 1st Test Day 3: Major highlights and key performances

Founder & CEO of the World Championship of Legends, Harshit Tomar, added, “WCL isn't just another T20 league—it’s where stories are retold and legends relive their prime. England Champions brings together names that changed the face of English cricket. With Morgan and Cook leading the charge, this team is among the strongest and most exciting of the tournament.” Sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board, the WCL stands as a unique celebration of cricket’s finest stars, rekindling memories and reigniting rivalries.

England Champions Squad for WCL 2025:

Ian Bell, Alastair Cook, Eoin Morgan, and Moeen Ali, alongside Samit Patel, Ajmal Shahzad, Stuart Meaker, Chris Tremlett, and Usman Afzaal. Additionally, the team features Mustard Phillips, Ryan Sidebottom, Ravi Bopara, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Liam Plunkett, and Tim Ambrose.

ENGLAND CHAMPIONS SQUAD FOR WCL.

- World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan and Sir Alastair Cook are part of it. pic.twitter.com/0He0VumAre

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 23, 2025

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its tenth edition in 2025 with the exciting news of two world-renowned international cricketers coming on board as commentators: Martin Guptill and Sir Alastair Cook. The announcement is likely to bring loads of experience and penetrating analysis to the broadcasts of the league. For the former captain of the English cricket team, Cook, it is his initial commentary stint at the PSL, a move that is going to draw serious attention from worldwide fans. Guptill is an explosive former New Zealand cricketer who has retired from internationals and has played earlier in the league. Their shared game experience from the top echelons is definitely going to boost viewership worldwide.

They will share the platform of an all-star commentary panel comprising a mix of global voices and iconic Pakistani cricket heroes. In addition to Guptill and Cook, some renowned commentators like Mark Nicholas, Dominic Cork, JP Duminy, Mike Haysman, Athar Ali Khan, and Lisa Sthalekar are on board. Leading Pakistan's cricketing legacy will be legends such as Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and several other recognizable voices. In addition, as a step towards greater inclusivity, PSL Season 10 will feature the first-ever full match broadcasts with Urdu commentary. This project caters to the wider segment of the Pakistani market, and with its own independent Urdu commentary staff headed by Ali Younin, Aqeel Samar, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, and Tariq Saeed.

The recruitment of these well-known commentators is an example of the PSL's desire to give the best television entertainment to the fans.
The bilingual commentary panel, providing their commentary both in English and Urdu, is such that audiences with varying linguistic preferences will have the choice but still receive an expert opinion from veteran experts. The on-screen presenting responsibilities for the pre-match warm-up monologues, post-match analysis, and player interviews will be spearheaded by Erin Holland and Zainab Abbas.

🚨 MARTIN GUPTILL AND ALASTAIR COOK - COMMENTATORS FOR PSL. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/OxU4Z9HdlB

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 6, 2025

ALSO READ:IPL 2025: SRH vs GT Prediction– Match 19, Who will win today?

Cricket Giants Join PSL Commentary for Thrilling Season

The hiring of these prominent commentators indicates the PSL's intent on providing world-class television entertainment for its viewers. The bilingual commentary team, presenting their analyses both in English and Urdu, means that fans with diverse linguistic preferences will have their options available while still getting an expert opinion from experienced professionals. The on-screen presenting duties for the pre-match warm-up talks, post-match analysis, and interviews of the players will be led by Erin Holland and Zainab Abbas.

The tenth edition of the PSL is all set to go on fire on April 11, 2025, with a much-awaited opening match between the defending champions Islamabad United and the two-time champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The momentum will be generated towards the grand finale, which will be played on May 18 at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Cricket fever will seize four big cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi – as they welcome the 34 enthralling matches of PSL season 10.

Neetu David, Alastair Cook, and AB de Villiers have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. They are the 113th, 114th, and 115th members of the club.

Former Indian left-arm Spinner Neetu David, who featured in 10 Tests and 97 ODIs became the second Indian woman after Diana Edulji to be part of the ICC Hall of Fame. David is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in women's ODI cricket with 141 scalps and was also the first female player from India to claim 100 ODI wickets. She still holds the record for the best bowling figures in a women's Test innings, taking 8/53 against England in 1995. More recently, she has continued her deep connection with cricket, serving as the selection chair for India’s women’s team. David won the role in September 2020 and had to oversee the transition of an Indian team that had to usher in some young talent following the retirements of former greats Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. David has been partly responsible for the growth of current India stars like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh as they have established themselves at an international level while continuing to look for ways off the field to boost the performance of the national side.

Neetu David on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

"It is truly an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, something that I consider to be the highest recognition available to anyone who puts on their national team jersey," David said in an ICC statement. "This comes after a lifetime of dedication to this great sport, and it caps a very special journey for me to get to this point. I would like to thank the ICC for the recognition, as well as all the BCCI, my teammates, coaches, family, and friends that were a constant source of support throughout my career."

See Also:- India vs New Zealand: Day 1 of Bengaluru Test called off due to rain

England's batter was the leading run-scorer and century-maker until recently after being surpassed by Joe Root. He amassed 766 runs in just seven innings during England's first Ashes victory in Australia in 24 years in the 2010-11 series and went on to captain England to two consecutive home Ashes wins in 2013 and 2015. Also, he was the reason behind England's first Test Series victory in 28 years in India in 2012.

Alastair Cook after joining the ICC Hall of Fame

"It is a huge honour to join some of the greatest players to have ever played the game," Cook said. "I have always felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for Essex and England and so to have this latest honour given to me just makes it all the more special."

See Also:- Perth Stadium to host its first-ever Ashes Test in 2025-26 series

AB De Villiers set the record for the fastest 50, 100, 150 in ODI Cricket. He amassed over 20,000 runs in international cricket. Also, he was part of their semi-final appearances in 2007 and 2015 ODI World Cup. He retired from internationals in 2018 with an average of over 50 in Tests and ODIs.

AB De Villiers thanks ICC and all the supporters after being introduced in the ICC Hall of Fame

"Cricket is often described as an individual sport within a team game … and it's true that, whether you are a batsman taking guard at the crease or a bowler pausing at the start of his run-up, you - and only you - are responsible for what happens," de Villiers said. "That said, everyone who plays cricket understands it is, in spirit, a team game. And I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many team-mates, coaches, and support staff from my early days at school in Pretoria, through so many memorable days at the Titans and with the South Africa team - and, indeed in franchise cricket - all around the world. To all of them, to the ICC, and supporters around the world, thank you."

England’s Joe Root became just the seventh player in Test cricket history to score 12,000 runs. He hit this milestone during the third Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Root reached 12,000 runs when he scored 62 with a four off Alzarri Joseph on the first ball after lunch on Day 2. He teamed up with current captain Ben Stokes to help rebuild England’s innings, adding over a hundred runs for the sixth wicket.

England had been struggling at 54 for five in just 12 overs, chasing West Indies first-innings total of 282. In this innings, Root also notched his 95th fifty-plus score, ranking him sixth in this category among all players.

Youngest players to 12,000 Test runs

33y 13d – Alastair Cook
33y 210d – Joe Root
35y 176d – Sachin Tendulkar
35y 214d – Ricky Ponting
36y 32d – Jacques Kallis
37y 68d – Kumar Sangakkara
37y 339d – Rahul Dravid

Root is the second youngest player to reach 12,000 Test runs, behind only his English teammate Alastair Cook. Root achieved this at 33 years and 210 days old. The oldest player to do so was former India captain Rahul Dravid at 37 years and 339 days. Root also surpassed the great Brian Lara’s total of 11,953 runs.

Fastest players to reach 12,000 Test runs in innings

224 – Kumar Sangakkara
247 – Ricky Ponting
247 – Sachin Tendulkar
249 – Jacques Kallis
255 – Rahul Dravid
261 – Joe Root
275 – Alastair Cook

However, Root isn’t the fastest to reach this milestone. Cook took 275 innings to get there, while Root needed 261 innings. Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for the quickest, reaching 12,000 runs in just 224 innings. Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting are next, both reaching the mark in 247 innings.

England made a stunning comeback in the second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies. For the first time in Test cricket history, England scored over 400 runs in both innings of a match.

West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl first. England scored 416 in their first innings, led by a century from Ollie Pope and other solid contributions. The West Indies then fought back, scoring 457 in their first innings to take a lead.

In response, England scored over 400 runs again in their second innings, reducing the deficit. Centuries from Harry Brook (109) and Joe Root (122) gave England a lead of over 350 runs.

Joe Root’s record-breaking performance at Trent Bridge

Joe Root hit his 32nd Test century, including his sixth against the West Indies and his fifth at Trent Bridge. He reached this milestone in just 260 innings, with only Alastair Cook ahead of him among English players.

Historically, teams have scored over 400 runs in a Test innings 12 times. England has been on the receiving end five times. Australia has done it six times, India three times, and South Africa, Pakistan, and England once each.

Australia achieved this six times between 1924 and 2008. South Africa did it against England in Durban in 1939. India scored over 400 against Pakistan in 2005, Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad in 2009, and England in 2024. Pakistan did it against India in Faisalabad in 2006. Recently, England achieved this against the West Indies in the second Test.

Historic achievement for England in Test cricket

England has set a target of 385 runs for the West Indies at Trent Bridge. After being bowled out for 425, England made a remarkable comeback after initially being overtaken by the West Indies’ first innings score. The West Indies need 385 runs to win with one and a half days left.

England sets a challenging target for West Indies

It’s a tough challenge for the West Indies batters. Despite their first Test win, England is still at the bottom of the WTC points table, while the West Indies are sixth. England’s win could move them above South Africa in the standings.

Jayden Seals took 4-97, while Alzarri Joseph claimed 2-103. Shamar Joseph, Jason Holder, and Kevin Sinclair each took a wicket.