Australian media slams Ben Stokes and England team after Manchester Test drama vs India: 'Spare us the whinging'

Team India sealed an epic draw at Old Trafford on Day 5 of the 4th Test against England. While the match continued the spree of thrill and would be remembered for the brilliance Indian batters displayed in the face of adversity, the immediate aftermath is filled with reactions related to Ben Stokes’ handshake incident.

Stokes and England have drawn unanimous flak from fans and experts for trying to call it a day when Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were near their centuries. The drama ensued when 15 overs were left in the day and both Jadeja and Sundar were batting in their 80s. India had garnered a decent lead, and only one outcome, a draw, seemed in sight. India declined England’s offer and finally shook hands after both batters achieved the personal milestone of scoring a ton in England.

Australian Media taunts Ben Stokes and England

The snub from the Indians irked England, and the reaction of their players turned sour on the field, drawing widespread criticism, including from the Australian media, which launched a scathing attack on their Ashes rivals with flashy headliners and merciless features.

Meanwhile, Australia has some thoughts...#ENGvIND #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/kuclmHQk6M

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) July 28, 2025

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Fox Cricket took a swipe with the headline that read “Spirit… of what? How pompous England exposed Bazball’s great double standard.”

The article slammed England’s moral posturing: “England bang on about the Laws of the Game, as written by the MCC at Lord’s. But when opposition teams follow those laws to England’s disadvantage? Time to awaken the ‘Spirit’ again. Give it a prod. Shake some sense into them. Play fair, old boy!”

Brisbane Times delivered a critical piece titled “Spare us the whinging, England. The only thing embarrassing about Old Trafford was your tantrum.” The article pointed out the irony of England, who claim to be the guardians of Test cricket, prioritising results over entertainment.

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The Herald Sun’s editorial harshly criticised England’s behaviour, labelling it “unsportsmanlike” for their reaction to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s match-saving efforts.

Code Sports criticised England, saying they were experiencing an “identity crisis” ahead of the Ashes tour, and mocked their reaction to Jadeja and Sundar prioritising their centuries over a handshake.