British tabloid at it again, accuses Ravichandran Ashwin of using cuss words against James Anderson

Truth, accuracy, fair, objective and accountable. These are not merely words, but ethos which define journalism. These are basic lessons imparted before any scribe takes to the profession. However, when there is a rat race to generate maximum traction and pursue clicks, these virtues are crumbled up and tossed out of the window without any care in the world.

Now, why are we suddenly so worked up about Journalistic values? This is because we Journalists are gatekeepers, and more often than not we determine the agenda. We put forward points and views and our readers/listeners start discussing it. We have a responsibility to be objective and fair. We have a responsibility to be non-biased and just present the bare facts without drawing conclusions. We are but the presenter of evidence, and we cannot pass judgements, but sadly the scene is quite bleak.

After having created an unnecessary sensation around Virat Kohli tampering with the ball using gum, the very same England Daily is at it again. This time they have accused Indian off-spinning sensation Ravichandran Ashwin of accusing James Anderson and using cuss words.

Now, we as the media, can accuse someone, but at the same time, these very accusations should be backed with proof. There is a very thin line between accusing and slandering, and unfortunately the aforementioned English daily believes in the latter.

While on one hand, they have very conveniently used the word 'appeared' before the actual charge, they have minced no words in leading the International Cricket Council into pronouncing a judgement in favour of the England team. Bear in mind, all along they have never mentioned the comments made by James Anderson wherein he only sounds like a bloke who refuses to acknowledge the superiority of his opponents.

"I am not sure if Virat Kohli has changed. I just think any technical deficiencies he has got are not in play out here. The wickets just take that out of the equation. There is not that pace in the wicket to get the nicks like we did against him in England - with a bit more movement," said Anderson at the end of the third day's play.

Now, we are not passing judgements, but we leave it to the readers to decide the tonality and intentions of such comments, which came after the Indian captain scripted a match and series defining double century on a tricky Mumbai pitch.

If a player makes comments outside the field, he should expect brickbats on it. R Ashwin is an astute bowler and is also an eloquent speaker. Hence, when he decided to confront Anderson on the fourth day, it was no surprise. England's leading fast bowler has had many altercations in the past where he has just spoken and walked away. Now, when he is receiving a taste of his own medicine, the British tabloid is jumping to douse the fire, by making him the victim.

Watch: The entire sequence of events

And these are the quotes carried out by one of the 'leading tabloids' of England.

Certainly, Anderson saying Kohli's batting had not changed since the last time they met did not seem to merit an outburst from Ashwin which appeared to end with him calling England's record wicket-taker a 'f****** bad loser.'

That outburst should lead to disciplinary action for Ashwin but that will depend on whether the International Cricket Council are prepared to stand up to India or turn a blind eye.

It is quite clear that they are not very sure about the turn of events which can clearly be seen from the use of the word 'appeared'. It appears that they are much more concerned about the quantum of punishment and are worried about the clout of the BCCI.

These are inferences which could easily be made, but these inferences have to be made with a tinge of deja vu, as the British media has always been hostile to any advances made by their opponents, however good they might be!