Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott strongly criticised the Ben Stokes-led England side for their on-field behaviour during the tense final moments of the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford. The drama unfolded when Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined Stokes’ offer to end the match early with a draw. Despite the match heading towards a stalemate, the Indian pair, then on 89 and 80, not only refused the handshake but continued batting, a move that visibly frustrated the England camp during the final hour of Day 5.

In his column for The Telegraph, Boycott defended Jadeja and Sundar’s decision, praising their resilience and composure after India’s extraordinary fightback from a 311-run first-innings deficit. He argued that the Indian batters had every right to continue, especially given their pivotal role in rescuing the Test. Boycott dismissed England's frustrations as unnecessary, pointing out that cricketing rules allowed the match to continue and that the duo’s actions were entirely within the spirit of the game.

See Also: When was the last time India conceded 500+ runs in an innings overseas before ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test?

"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. If you give it, like England does, 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?," Boycott wrote.

They do not take a backward step: Boycott

Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott also praised the mental strength shown by the Indian players, stating that he would have made the same decision if he were in their position. The legendary England batter commended their determination and resilience under pressure. Boycott didn’t shy away from criticising the current generation of cricketers, accusing them of relying too heavily on sledging and psychological tactics. The right-hand batter remarked that such behaviour contrasts sharply with the standards and sportsmanship upheld during his playing days, implying that modern players often stray from the true spirit of the game.

"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. 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. 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," he wrote.

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.

India and England locked horns in yet another closely-contested test match at Old Trafford. The Test did not see a winner as it ended in a draw. But for the Indian fans, the draw can be seen more as a victory. It all started with Joe Root and Ben Stokes dominating the fragile Indian pace-bowling attack and amassing a galloping 669 runs.

At 0-2, England had India by the scruff of the neck. An imminent victory awaited the home side during the early hours of day four. But what followed was an act of defiance from Team India and their sheer determination to grind hard. As a result, India were able to drag the game till the final hour of day five with six wickets in the bank, before the England captain, frustratingly, settled for a draw.

India will draw inspiration from this encounter as they head to Kia Oval for the final Test with the series tilted at 2-1 in favor of the hosts. As the dust settles on this gripping Test, it is time to look at the revised World Test Championship 2025-27 points table.

See also: ENG vs IND 2025: Ravindra Jadeja celebrates hard-fought draw by kissing Manchester pitch

Updated WTC 2025-27 Rankings after Old Trafford Test

WTC 2025-27 Points Table 🏏📊 pic.twitter.com/tVCYVS1dN7

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) July 28, 2025

After the end of the fourth Test, neither of the two teams have made any significant gains in the rankings. The hard-fought draw has certainly dented England’s ranking as they slip to the third position with a PCT of 54.17. India, on the other hand, have done well to hold on to the fourth spot for the time being but would want to see an improvement in their rankings following the end of the fifth Test. The 2021-2023 WTC finalists have a PCT of 33.33.

Australia are currently sitting at the points table following their annihilating 3-0 series sweep against a bruised West Indies. The 2023 WTC Champions have a PCT of 100 and are the only team, apart from Sri Lanka, to enjoy an unbeaten streak in this cycle. Second to them is the island nation of Sri Lanka, who have recently fared well during their home Test series against Bangladesh, beating them by 1-0.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh and the West Indies have played a few games already in this cycle and are yet to register a win. Besides, New Zealand, Pakistan, and the eventual 2023-2025 WTC Champions, South Africa, are yet to open their account in this ongoing WTC 2025-27 cycle.

Opening up about Ben Stokes' gritty century in the ongoing fourth Test against India, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on the much-discussed Bazball theory. While acknowledging the England skipper's brilliant hundred, Ashwin raised concerns about some of the attacking shots played under the aggressive approach. Stokes notched up his 14th Test century, scoring 141 runs off 198 balls, including 11 boundaries and three sixes.

England have been vocal proponents of playing aggressive cricket in the longest format, something they've leaned into heavily in recent years. However, Ashwin believes such aggression isn't always necessary, especially from players capable of batting long. "I have my reservations about the Bazball theory. There is a small line between aggressive cricket and foolish cricket. Ben Stokes used to take on fast bowlers and hit those shots that were caught at mid-off or mid-on. Why? When a batter can play an innings like that at Headingley in the Ashes, what is the need to do all this?" Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat.

Ashwin further emphasized that aggression doesn't have to come at the cost of technique. "If you want to play aggressive cricket, pull a back-of-length ball, hit a drive on the up, but you can be aggressive like this. This ramp shot, reverse sweeps—there is no need to show aggression like this if you have the pedigree," he added.

‘Still England’s Test to lose,’ says Ashwin

Speaking about the match situation, Ashwin maintained that England are firmly in control despite India’s spirited fightback. India were bowled out for 358 in their first innings, while the hosts posted a mammoth 669 in reply, gaining a massive 311-run lead. England then rocked India early in their second innings, reducing them to 0/2.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan's full match schedule with dates and timings revealed

However, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill mounted a strong comeback with an unbeaten 174-run stand. Rahul was batting on 87 off 210 balls, while Gill was on 78 off 167. Despite this partnership, Ashwin cautioned against complacency. "It is still England's Test to lose. If you think it will be an easy draw, I have my doubts. You have to pull every string to draw this game. It won't be easy," he remarked. He also noted India’s vulnerability to losing quick wickets after partnerships, adding that the onus is on Rahul and Gill to extend their stay if India is to salvage a draw.

Ben Stokes once again proved why he's among the finest all-rounders in modern-day cricket with a heroic all-round performance in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester. The England captain struck an unbeaten 103 and claimed 5 wickets for 72 runs to script a historic feat, becoming only the eighth English player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test match.

Stokes had last scored a Test century over a year ago during the Lord’s Ashes Test in June 2023 but returned to form in style, producing a valiant knock even after suffering a hamstring injury mid-innings. He had to retire hurt on Day 3 but returned to the crease later in the day to continue his charge, steering England to a commanding position.

England Players with 100 & 5-Wicket Haul in the Same Test

First England Captain to Achieve the Feat

In England’s long Test history dating back to 1877, Stokes became the first captain to score a century and claim a five-wicket haul in the same match. This puts him in an elite global club of only five captains who have managed this rare double.

Captains with 100 and Five-Wicket Haul in a Test

100 + 5-Wicket Haul vs India in a Test

Stokes also became the seventh cricketer overall to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test against India, joining some legendary names.

ALSO SEE: India vs Pakistan fixture date in Asia Cup 2025 revealed

Other Milestones

Most Test Centuries for England from No. 5-7:

• This was Stokes’ 14th Test century, second vs India, and third as captain.
  
• Ended a 36-innings century drought, having last scored a hundred in June 2023 at Lord’s during the Ashes.
  

Ben Stokes continues to redefine leadership and all-round excellence for England. Even with injury setbacks, his commitment to perform under pressure remains unmatched. His performance at Old Trafford will go down as one of the great captains’ knocks in modern Test history.

Twitter reaction for Ben Stokes:

• The greatest there was is and ever will be...
• The greatest allrounder of this generation...
• The most competitive block ever
• The Clutch Goat...

5 wkt with the ball and now a classic century with the bat - Captain
Take a Bow Benjamin Andrew Stokes 🐐🤍 pic.twitter.com/nFwSCaoUYx

— ᴠᴀᴍᴏs ᴠɪʀᴀᴛ (@SachinPvk) July 26, 2025

What a man , what a player , what a brilliant hundred by one and only Gangster of Cricket - Ben Stokes 💯 pic.twitter.com/ZZaDGelDWx

— xuenain (@meer_xuenain) July 26, 2025

#INDvENG #INDvsENG

STOKES 14th CENTURY in Test 🔥🔥

What a dream match for #BenStokes 🫡🫡
5 wicket haul and 100 💪💪

Fiver after 8 years and a century after 2 years 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Bb3ZtNfVbg

— Khan (@Khanmohammed12) July 26, 2025

shubman clown gill asked
- where is bazball
- get some balls

benjamin andrew stokes replied
- fifer and century in a single match pic.twitter.com/iD76q9pNxH

— iNaveenVijayakumar (@iNaveentalks) July 26, 2025

5 wicket haul and a century

Ben fuckinng stokes pic.twitter.com/5SPIP4IEbU

— Sai (@KrishnaMSaiD) July 26, 2025

THE REACTIONS OF CAPTAIN BEN STOKES WHEN HE COMPLETED HIS HUNDRED. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ffrkH9AjKA

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 26, 2025

🚨 BEN STOKES BECOMES FIRST CAPTAIN IN 42 YEARS TO SMASH A CENTURY & TAKE A FIFER IN THE SAME TEST! 💥🔥

pic.twitter.com/jvyOsGaKim

— maddyCric (@imRaghav001) July 26, 2025

👉 CENTURY FOR BEN STOKES.

🏏CAPTAINS KNOCK FROM BEN STOKES.#INDvsENG #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/V0Um8PNKkA

— Fan Of Cricket 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@techsmart484675) July 26, 2025

A match overshadowed by a controversial decision by the umpire. Pakistan was furious about a decision to declare then the England captain Graham Gooch.

 It was an England vs Pakistan Test match at Leeds in 1992. England was looking not so elegant while chasing a target of 99. The visiting side bowlers were tapping every possible way to defend the small target when the controversial decision came, which probably left a huge impact on the match.

Pakistan was furious when Graham Gooch was given not out, despite being a long way short of his crease on a run-out appeal at Headingley. Gooch then went on to score 37 in the second innings and got the much-needed win for his team. Apart from the umpire's controversial call, the match was full of some individual brilliance.

Read More: [WATCH] ENG VS IND 4TH: Mohammed Siraj clean bowled Chris Woakes

Reverse swing dismantled England batting line-up 

Debutant Neil Mallender bagged a total of 8 wickets in the match, including a 5-wicket haul. From Pakistan, a spell from Waqar Younis caused a collapsing England batting unit. At a point in the first innings, England was 292-3; from there, they lost the rest of their men at 320. The last six batters managed only two runs between them.

Younis, with his reverse swing, ran over the English lower batting order. Multiple shouts from them were turned down by the umpire, which also left them naturally unhappy. Saleem Malik, in both innings, was brilliant in the middle order, scoring unbeaten 82-run and unbeaten 84-run knocks. 

ENG vs PAK, 4th Test, Leeds, July 23 - 26, 1992, Pakistan tour of England:

Pakistan: 197 and 221

England: 320 and 99/4 (Target 99)

England won by 6 wickets. 

Former England captain, Joe Root brought up his 38th Test century in the ongoing fourth Test between India and England at the Old Trafford, Manchester. He not only touched a milestone, he moved closer to another milestone of breaking the record for most runs in Tests set by the legendary Indian batter, Sachin Tendulkar. 

He also challenged the record for most runs set by former Australia captain, Ricky Ponting. Ponting who was in the commentary panel was all praises for the veteran and he noted the right handed batter’s career as remarkable. It is worth noting that Ponting has scored 13,378 runs in Tests and is only second to Tendulkar in the list of top run getters in the longest format of the game. 

“Batting conditions probably won’t get any better than they are right now and they’ve got two class players at the crease (in Pope and Root). England will have gone to bed last night thinking about the possibility of only batting once in this Test match.”

See Also: 'Macha, I need some English here' - Indian batter's hilarious remark on Day 3 of ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

“They want to bat long and get a huge first-innings total. India need to find a way early to get back into this game with early wickets, otherwise this game is slipping away very quickly. “That could very well happen today (Root passing him on all-time run-scorers list). It’s a great day for batting. What a remarkable career it has been,” said Ricky Ponting on Sky Sports’ broadcast.

As its stands out, Root did surpass the record of Ponting as he breached the 120 runs mark in the ongoing Test and the batter looked in solid form and eyeing for a lump sum score against his name. For the unversed, Sachin Tendulkar has scored 15,921 runs in his illustrious careers spanning over two decades and Root, if he keeps his form intact, can overtake the legend in achieving the rare milestone. 

India’s wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant was injured in the first innings of the ongoing fourth Test between India and England at the Old Trafford, Manchester. He had to leave the field midway as he was driven away in a makeshift ambulance. But the batter known for his resilience did make it to the field again despite a fractured foot and scored a gritty 54 runs knock as India posed a total of 358 runs in the first innings. 

Just after Pant walked out of the field, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rolled out a statement that the southpaw has been advised a rest of six weeks after consulting the doctors. 

“Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match,” BCCI confirmed in a statement. 

Fans are waiting with bated breath to see the remainder of the Test as England batters are reigning supreme on a pitch which as of now is favouring the batters. On the other hand, Pant’s comeback in the second innings also looms under a cloudy sky in uncertainty. Despite the gruesome injury Pant might still bat in the second innings as he has ample time to recover with Dhruv Jurel acting as substitute for him and donning the gloves. 

See also: Former Australia star highlights Joe Root's specialty during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

It is worth noting that Pant is the latest entrant to the injured list that comprises Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh who were ruled out of the remainder of the series following the Lord’s Test. Pant has not donned the wicketkeeping gloves since he was hit on the index finger while keeping in the third Test at the Lord’s. If he is ruled out of the last Test, Jurel is likely to fill in the role left by him in the series closure.

Pakistan is set to tour England in the summer of 2026 for a highly anticipated three-match Test series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Thursday. The red-ball series will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle and will be played across three iconic venues in August and September.

The opening Test will be held at Headingley in Leeds from 19 to 23 August, followed by the second Test at Lord’s in London from 27 to 31 August. The tour will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from 9 to 13 September. All matches are scheduled to start at 3:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).

This will be Pakistan’s fourth Test series in England since 2016 and the 29th bilateral Test series between the two sides since they first met in 1954. With a rich history between the two teams and the matches being played at venues deeply woven into cricketing folklore, fans on both sides are eagerly looking forward to a high-quality contest.

Shaheen's Tour Lays Foundation as England Gears Up for Blockbuster 2026 Summer

Currently, Pakistan Shaheens, the country’s A team, are on a developmental tour in England, participating in 50-over and three-day matches. That series is expected to further build depth ahead of the senior side's return in 2026.

ALSO SEE: Know the schedule for England in bumper 2026 summer

For England, the tour of Pakistan is just one of the more full on international summer of 2026, with visits from New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, and women’s series against New Zealand, India, and Ireland, and topped off by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 which England host between 12 June and 15 July.

The Test series in 2026 will add another compelling chapter to the traditional rivalry between England and Pakistan, with important World Test Championship points at stake and fierce and passionate crowds expected at all of the venues.

Pakistan Tour of England – 2026 Test Series Schedule 

In a significant shake-up ahead of the SAT20 2026 season, Durban Super Giants have pulled off a stunning double swoop pre-signing West Indies veteran Sunil Narine and England white-ball superstar Jos Buttler. Both marquee players come on board as pre-signed overseas recruits before the league’s mega auction, signaling DSG’s intent to dominate in the coming season.

Sunil Narine, long regarded as one of the most tactically intelligent T20 players, brings not just his unique bowling skills but also power-hitting credentials and captaincy experience. Speaking on his signing, Narine said, “Being invited to be part of the Super Giants family is an opportunity I value. I’ve heard great things about Mr. Goenka’s vision and the setup.” His addition gives DSG a versatile all-round option and a proven performer in high-pressure games.

Meanwhile, Jos Buttler’s move is seen as a massive coup. Having previously represented Paarl Royals, the English captain now shifts camps and becomes a centrepiece in Durban’s strategy. “I've had a great chat with Dr. Sanjiv Goenka and can’t wait to get stuck in with DSG,” Buttler said. His explosive starts at the top of the order and world-class finishing ability make him an ideal fit for the franchise.

Delighted to have @Heini22 and @noor_ahmad_15 continuing as key members of the @DurbansSG family, and a warm welcome to @josbuttler and Sunil Narine. Looking forward to the auction and an exciting season ahead. #SA20 #DSG pic.twitter.com/ImFPgErbYS

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) July 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] Kane Williamson celebrates maiden Country Championship 2025 century for Middlesex

DSG Flex Their Muscles with Star Signings and Key Retentions Ahead of SAT20 Auction

The franchise isn’t stopping at just overseas firepower. They’ve retained South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen as their wildcard pick, an aggressive middle-order option who has been a consistent performer for DSG. Afghan left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad, another match-winner in the shortest format, has also been retained.

This aggressive pre-auction strategy sends a clear message to the rest of the league: Durban’s Super Giants are building a squad that blends experience, firepower, and tactical flexibility. With Narine and Buttler joining Klaasen and Noor Ahmad, DSG’s core is shaping up to be one of the strongest heading into the 2026 season. The SAT20 auction is still to come, but DSG has already drawn first blood, and the rest of the league will be watching closely.