Overview:
When the two all-rounders reached their respective tons, they agreed to a draw. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, lambasted the English players.
R Ashwin has slammed Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley for mocking Ravindra Jadeja on Day 5 of the 4th Test. England’s captain wanted to end the match early, but his request was turned down by Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who wished to complete their hundreds. This angered Stokes, who sledged Jadeja, with Zak Crawley also joining his skipper.
When the two all-rounders reached their respective tons, they agreed to a draw. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, lambasted the English players.
“Have you heard the term double standard? You are saying that I am frustrated, so you also leave crying. What is this, and is it possible? Boss, he has played your Jofra Archer, Matthew Hoggard, Darren Gough, and Andrew Flintoff since morning. They played everyone and went for a draw, and reached this level after working hard since morning. Shall he leave without scoring a hundred? Your question was, did you want to score a hundred against Harry Brook? He wants to score a hundred, please bring Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff. He is not saying no,” R Ashwin said.
Ashwin also highlighted Stokes’ move to give the ball to Harry Brook.
“You are giving the ball to Harry Brook, which is your mistake and not ours. The rule says that if both captains believe that a game cannot head towards a result, you both can shake hands and you can call it a draw. One captain wanted to close the game for two reasons. One, he didn’t want to tire out his bowlers. Agreed. Second, I am frustrated and I am not happy. You should not remain happy as well. You shouldn’t score a hundred. These are two pointers, and the second doesn’t come under the rule. India was on the right side. Actually, if I were India, I would have played for one hour. I would have instructed to play all 15 overs. His statement that you want to get a hundred against Harry Brook. Of course. These are Test runs. He wants to get it, and he deserves it.
“Zak Crawley said, that Is this how you want to get a hundred. You should have batted faster to get a hundred. Brother, it is his wish when he wants to score and when he doesn’t want to score. You want to score fast, score 70 and get out. This is your game,” he added.