Washy Sundar Shuns Brook Handshake, Viral IND vs ENG Shock
Washington Sundar denies handshake to Harry Brook at Old Trafford during India vs England Test. Viral moment sparks hot debate on sportsmanship and cold-shoulder gesture.
Old Trafford Drama: Sundar's Handshake Snub Ignites "IND vs ENG Viral Moment"
The recently concluded fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, which ended in a hard-fought draw on July 27, 2025, produced more than just gripping cricket. A moment of high tension and perceived disrespect involving India's Washington Sundar and England's Harry Brook has gone "viral," sparking a heated "sportsmanship debate" across the cricketing world. This "Old Trafford Test drama" unfolded in the final hour of play, leaving fans and pundits divided on the etiquette of the game.
The incident, characterized by a "Harry Brook cold shoulder" from Sundar, has added a new layer to the already intense "India England tension" in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
The Handshake That Didn't Happen: "Washington Sundar Handshake Denial"
As the fourth Test meandered towards an inevitable draw, with India having staged a remarkable comeback from 0/2 in their second innings to a commanding position, England captain Ben Stokes approached the Indian batters, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, with an offer to shake hands and declare the match a draw. This is a common gesture in Test cricket when a result is no longer possible, allowing both teams to save energy and move on.
However, to the visible surprise and frustration of Stokes and the English team, both Jadeja (who was on 89*) and Sundar (on 80*) declined the offer. Their refusal was driven by their desire to reach individual centuries, a significant milestone, especially for Sundar who was chasing his maiden Test ton.
In a moment that quickly went "viral," after Jadeja completed his century with a six off part-timer Harry Brook, Brook approached Sundar for a handshake, seemingly mistaking Jadeja's milestone for the end of India's innings. However, "Washington Sundar handshake denial" was evident as he appeared to brush off Brook's outstretched hand, instead joining Jadeja in celebration. This "Harry Brook cold shoulder" was captured on camera and instantly became a talking point, fueling the "cricket etiquette viral" debate.
The "Sportsmanship Debate": Unwritten Rules Under Scrutiny
The core of the "sportsmanship debate" lies in the clash between a team's right to play until the very end and the traditional "spirit of cricket." England's offer for a draw was practical; their bowlers were fatigued after a grueling Test, and the match was beyond saving. Stokes even sarcastically asked, "Do you want to score a hundred against Harry Brook?" highlighting his irritation.
However, from India's perspective, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar had fought valiantly, pulling their team out of a precarious situation (0/2 in the second innings). Achieving individual centuries, especially Sundar's maiden one, was a well-deserved reward for their resilience. Indian captain Shubman Gill staunchly defended his players' decision, stating, "It was up to the boys, but we felt they batted brilliantly. Both of them were in their 90s, and we believed they deserved to get to their centuries."
This incident has forced a re-examination of the unwritten rules of cricket. While continuing to bat for personal milestones when a draw is certain is technically within the rules, some argue it goes against the gentlemanly spirit of the game. Others contend that players have every right to maximize their performance within the rules, regardless of the match situation.
Divided Opinions: Pundits Weigh in on "Cricket Etiquette Viral" Moment
The "Washington Sundar handshake denial" has predictably led to a flurry of reactions from former cricketers and commentators, showcasing the divided opinions on this "cricket etiquette viral" moment.
- Ben Stokes: Expressed frustration and sarcasm, indicating his displeasure with India's decision to prolong the game for individual milestones.
- Shubman Gill: Firmly backed his batters, emphasizing their hard work and the importance of their centuries.
- Dale Steyn (Former South Africa Pacer): Acknowledged the complexity, suggesting that while India's actions were within the rules, it seemed "a little, well, odd" to continue batting for milestones once the draw was assured.
- Stuart Broad (Former England Pacer): Defended both sides, stating that Stokes was right to offer the handshake given his team's fatigue, but also that the Indian batters were right to chase their centuries after working hard.
- Dinesh Karthik (Former India Wicketkeeper): Questioned England's "what's with the English?" attitude, pointing out their previous reluctance to bat or field at certain points in the series.
- Michael Vaughan (Former England Captain): Supported India's decision, stating he would have done the same if his own players were nearing centuries after a tough fight.
The incident has become a significant talking point, overshadowing India's remarkable fightback in the Test and adding an extra layer of narrative to the "India England tension" heading into the series decider.
The Series Heats Up: More Than Just Cricket
The "Washington Sundar handshake denial" to "Harry Brook" at Old Trafford has injected a fresh dose of drama into the "IND vs ENG viral moment." While the "Old Trafford Test drama" concluded in a draw, the lingering questions about "sportsmanship debate" and "cricket etiquette vi
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