ENG vs IND 2025: Nathan Lyon Fires Shots at Ben Stokes Over Manchester Handshake Controversy

Conflicts and tense moments between India and England have dominated conversations leading up to the fifth and final Test match of the exciting Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Perhaps the pinnacle of this was the fourth Test match, which ended in a tie in Manchester. Ben Stokes, the captain of England, was at odds with the Indian team and the media over his conduct and behaviour.

On Day 5 of the fourth Test match between England and India in Manchester, Nathan Lyon offered his thoughts on the recent altercation between Ben Stokes and the Indian hitters. With only one conceivable outcome in the game, this comes a few days after Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja refused to shake hands with Stokes, opting instead to settle for a draw. 

Nathan Lyon Roasts Ben Stokes:

Even if handshake-gate has generated a lot of internet discussion and debate, the majority of cricket fans appear to support Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar's decision to continue playing in an attempt to attain their goals. Due to his and his team's remarks at Old Trafford, Stokes has turned into a pantomime villain for many, giving some people the chance to laugh at his expense. Lyon said that rather than allowing the spin-bowling all-rounders to get their hundreds, Stokes & Co. need to maintain the pressure. The seasoned off-spinner added that he anticipates England will target him in the Ashes later this year.

According to Times Now, Lyon said during a recent Melbourne Renegades function, "Get them out. Don’t let them get a hundred. I totally expect them to come out and attack me. I think every touring team says they’re going to come and attack the spinner, so I’m pretty used to that now. Guys trying to attack me bring me into the game. I’m looking forward to that. I’ve got some plans, and I’m already writing down a few things I want to try to put in play and work on." 

Additionally, he expressed his admiration for the kind of cricket England has been playing in Test matches. He said,“That’s England and the way they’re playing their cricket, so it’s amazing theatre and something I love viewing. I think Bazball has changed a little bit; they’re now honestly talking about ways of how to win games and not being too reckless. But the conditions over here, it’s always been a great competition between bat and ball, and that’s the way Australia’s produced wickets like that."

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