Tempers briefly flared during the third day of the Lord’s Test as India accused England of deliberately wasting time to avoid facing a full final session over. (Also read:India’s Third-Day Slide at Lord’s After Pant Run-Out and Rahul’s Century)
India captain Shubman Gill confronted England opener Zak Crawley after he twice pulled away during Jasprit Bumrah’s run-up. The moment came in the final over of the day, just minutes before stumps. Gill appeared visibly frustrated and was caught saying something pointed in Crawley’s direction, while other Indian players clapped sarcastically when Crawley requested treatment moments later.
The incident sparked debate about tactics and sportsmanship, with England’s bowling coach Tim Southee responding sharply.
“I’m not sure what they were complaining about,” Southee said. “Shubman Gill was lying down in the middle of the day yesterday getting a massage. It’s just part of the game near the end of the day.”
The tension came as England appeared to intentionally stretch out the clock, ensuring they only had to bat one over before the close of play. Crawley was struck on the glove during the brief exchange and called for assistance, which further delayed the over.
KL Rahul, speaking at the end of the day, said India expected to bowl at least two overs with six minutes remaining. “It’s a no-brainer,” Rahul said. “Any team would go for two overs. But there was a bit of theatrics at the end.”
Rahul also admitted that emotions were already running high. “We were fired up. Everyone knows how difficult it is to walk in and face a couple of overs at the end of a long day. We were hungry for a breakthrough.”
Despite the confrontation, Rahul acknowledged that England’s approach was understandable from a batter’s perspective.
“What happened at the end is just part of the game now,” he said. “As an opener, I know what they were trying to do. Anyone who’s been in that situation would understand.”
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Southee echoed that sentiment, describing the exchange as a reflection of the series’ intensity.
“Both teams have shown great energy. That moment was just part of it. It’s been a long three days,” he said. “It was good to see everyone still fully involved.”
The episode also reignited concerns about the slow over-rate. Across three days, 32 overs have already been lost. Southee pointed to extreme heat, frequent reviews, and ball changes as contributing factors.
“It’s not ideal,” he admitted. “But given the conditions, some of it makes sense. Still, losing that much time isn’t great.”
With the series level, both teams return for day four carrying not only scoreboard pressure but now a touch of extra heat from a night that didn’t end quietly.
