The cricketing world has been buzzing not just about performances on the pitch but also about the controversies that have overshadowed the final leg of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
One incident in particular, dubbed as the “handshake-gate”, has taken centre stage. During the drawn fourth Test in Manchester, England’s captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to close the match, even as Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar continued batting in pursuit of personal milestones. The move was met with criticism, as many fans backed the Indian duo’s right to chase achievements within the rules of the game.
Ben Stokes, along with teammates like Zak Crawley and Harry Brook, was accused of indulging in gamesmanship under the guise of sportsmanship. The incident sparked widespread debate online, turning Ben Stokes into a symbolic villain for some spectators.
Even Australian spinner Nathan Lyon couldn’t resist weighing in on the drama. In a press interaction for the Big Bash League’s Melbourne Renegades, Nathan Lyon took a sharp dig at England’s behaviour, dismissively stating that if they didn’t want the batters to get hundreds, they should’ve simply got them out.
He didn’t stop there. He also pointed a finger at the state of English pitches, particularly the Old Trafford surface, which produced only 24 wickets over five days. He emphasised the importance of balance between bat and ball, arguing that a fair contest is what truly keeps cricket alive and engaging for fans.
While emotions from Manchester still simmer, more tension erupted at The Oval in the lead-up to the decisive fifth Test. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir got embroiled in a heated dispute with the chief curator Lee Fortis during a pitch inspection. The friction began when Lee Fortis reportedly told India’s support staff to stay at least 2.5 meters away from the surface.
Gautam Gambhir, taken aback by the instruction, lashed out publicly, questioning Lee Fortis’ authority and dismissing his role as mere groundskeeping. The confrontation happened in full view of players and staff, with Lee Fortis responding that he would report the matter.
As it stands, England lead the series by 2-1. India will need a victory at The Oval to draw level and share the honours. But beyond statistics and strategies, this series finale has taken on a deeper, more intense tone. With tensions flaring, reputations questioned and pride on the line, both the teams are set to take the field not just to win a Test but to assert a narrative.
