The Indian skipper, Shubman Gill, has sparked controversy. This occurred after his heated exchange with England opener Zak Crawley. The incident happened during the final over on Day 3 of the Lord’s test. Tensions flared as the test was evenly poised. India had matched England’s first-innings total of 387 by the close of Day 3.
Tensions at Lord’s
Following the change of innings, England were asked to bat with around six minutes left in the day’s play. India aimed to bowl two overs at the openers before stumps. However, Crawley took 90 seconds to take guard after the umpires had called play. Then the England opener stopped Jasprit Bumrah twice on his run-up. Once because he was not ready and then when he complained of movement behind the sight screen.
Zak Crawley frustrated the Indian side by repeatedly delaying proceedings. He pulled away late, walked down the pitch, and checked his gloves. After being struck on the fingers by a Bumrah delivery, he called for the physio, further escalating tensions. This annoyed Gill and he moved towards Crawley from the slip cordon.
Also read: Shubhman Gill’s Consecutive Tons Break Records
Frustrations boil over
As Indian players reacted to the call for a physio with mock applause, captain Shubman Gill lost his cool. He pointed his finger at Crawley and used colourful language as he exchanged words with the opener. Gill even made an ‘Impact Player’ sign to suggest that Crawley should be substituted if he was really injured. Then, Crawley snapped back and his opening partner, Ben Duckett, stepped in to defuse the situation.
Gill and Duckett then stood face-to-face, even as KL Rahul said a few words and walked away. The incident had been anticipated for some time. Umpires had allowed several unscheduled drinks breaks and other delays during India’s innings. England had to face only one over before stumps at 2/0.
Trott Draws Kohli Comparison
Former England batter Jonathan Trott called Gill’s animated response unnecessary and drew a comparison with former India captain Virat Kohli. “There was a little bit of gamesmanship. For me, we don’t know what went on when England were fielding. It’s unclear whether they were dishing it out. I don’t like the acting from Shubman Gill. I just think as a captain, you set the tone. As I’ve mentioned before, he was pointing fingers and getting confrontational. It was very much like a previous captain, getting in the face of the opposition,” Trott said.
“And I just don’t think that’s what it’s about. I think it sets a bad tone. And I’m up for being competitive and being tough on the field. I just think sometimes you’ve got to rise above it. But, it certainly sets up a nice day for tomorrow,” he added.
Kumble Points to England’s Delay Tactics
Former India captain Anil Kumble said that England were reluctant to face even a single over before stumps. He added that Jofra Archer was disappointed after taking a wicket. Kumble added that the contest remains evenly balanced.
“Probably they didn’t want to face a single over. However, they ended up doing so, because even Jofra Archer was disappointed when he got that wicket. So, yes, in that sense, it’d be great to watch over the next two days,” he added.
Slow Over Rates Throughout Series
A total of 32 overs were lost due to slow over rates. Seven overs were lost on Day 1, followed by 15 and 10 overs on Days 2 and 3, respectively. This occurred even though match officials extended play by 30 minutes each day. They attempted to make up for the delays.
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