ENG vs IND 2025: 'His action looked silly' - Nasser Hussain slams Ben Stokes as India blunt Bazball in Manchester

Former England captain Nasser Hussain did not hold back in his criticism of Ben Stokes, calling out the England skipper’s behaviour in the closing stages of the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester. Hussain felt Stokes’ actions overshadowed the grit shown by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

With India on the verge of saving the Test, Jadeja batting in the 90s and Sundar in the 80s, the duo had already frustrated England with their unbeaten partnership after the early dismissals of centurion Shubman Gill and KL Rahul on Day 5. As the draw became inevitable, Stokes approached the pair and offered to end the game with a handshake.

Jadeja and Sundar, however, opted to continue, determined to complete their well-earned centuries. Hussain supported their decision, stating there was nothing wrong with two set batters chasing personal milestones after putting in such a resilient effort. Stokes was annoyed and tossed the ball to part-timer Harry Brook. Eventually, Both Indian batters went on to reach their hundreds and the match ended up in a draw.

“I didn't have a problem. England seemed to have a problem with it, they were a little bit tired, tired bowlers, tired legs. They wanted to get off. The two lads have worked hard to get into the eighties, they wanted Test match hundreds. Stokes didn’t have to bowl Brook, and it looked a bit silly at the end there, but we make far too much of these things. They played well, they deserved a draw, they deserved to be there at the end,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.

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Hussain was, in fact, full of praise for India’s resilience in securing a draw after a disastrous start to their second innings, losing two wickets for zero in the very first over on Day 4. The recovery began with a crucial 188-run partnership between Gill and Rahul for the third wicket, setting the platform for India’s fightback. The effort was later consolidated by the unbroken stand between Jadeja and Sundar.

“All credit to India. It's only England’s second-ever draw under this Bazball regime — the other one on this ground as well, because of rain. This one was a draw simply because England couldn’t roll over the two left-handers, who were brilliant,” Hussain added.