Gavaskar Blasts England's 'Loud Talk' and Declaration Delay After Fourth Test Draw

Sunil Gavaskar, Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes (Images via Getty Images)

Following India's hard-fought draw in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has delivered a sharp critique of England's tactics and on-field demeanor.

Gavaskar, a veteran commentator, commended the Indian team's resilience, particularly after their shaky start at 0/2 in the second innings. He highlighted the crucial centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, which ensured India salvaged a draw on the final day, losing only four wickets.

"I'm enormously proud of this team for what they've done. Just four wickets down. Yes, whatever the pitch might have been — good pitch, flat pitch, whatever it is — to stick around there under pressure,” Gavaskar stated on Sony Sports Network.

The decision by the Indian batters to continue batting even when a draw was inevitable seemed to frustrate the English side. Captain Ben Stokes gave the ball to Harry Brook, who was then hit for a six by Jadeja as he celebrated his century. Later, Sundar appeared to ignore Brook's attempted handshake.

Reports suggest that some England players taunted the Indian batsmen, questioning Jadeja's pursuit of a century against Brook and Duckett.

Gavaskar, however, shifted the focus to England's strategy, particularly their declaration timing.

"The question can be asked — did England bat too long before they declared?" Gavaskar questioned. He recalled the earlier series match in Birmingham, “When India gave them 600-plus to chase in Birmingham, some England players said they were scared. But in India, they said ‘Give us 600, we’ll chase.’ So what happened now? India gave you 600, and you fell 336 short. That was just bravado. Just loud talk.”

He also challenged Stokes’ justification for the delayed declaration, which Stokes attributed to a desire to rest his bowlers before the final Test at The Oval.

Gavaskar suggested, "So now, Shubman Gill — if he’s at the media conference — I’d like him to ask: Why did you take a lead of 311? Why not declare at 240 or 250 after Stokes got his hundred? Give your bowlers an extra hour to take wickets. I hope he asks that. I know he won’t. He’s too nice a guy. He’s not like this SG (Sunil Gavaskar). That SG (Shubman Gill) is different. But this SG 100% would have asked at a media conference. And I’m asking now."

Gavaskar’s remarks have intensified the already charged atmosphere between the two teams as they head into the series-deciding final Test.