Cricket Controversy: India Accused of Hypocrisy Over Time-Wasting Tactics in Tense Lord’s Test
A fiery exchange between players and a controversial final over marked a dramatic conclusion to the third day of the third Test at Lord’s, leaving cricket analysts divided and the match finely balanced.
The day’s play concluded with a significant on-field confrontation as England’s opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, faced the final over. Crawley, after being struck on the glove by a delivery from Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah, called for a physio. This action, coupled with Crawley’s subsequent delays in facing subsequent deliveries, significantly shortened the time available to bowl the full over, much to the visible frustration of the Indian team. India’s captain, Shubman Gill, was seen gesticulating and exchanging words with Crawley, highlighting the intense emotions of the moment.
Providing expert insight, England’s fast-bowling consultant, Tim Southee, suggested that India had little ground to complain about England’s tactics. Southee pointed to a moment on the second day where Indian captain Shubman Gill received a lengthy on-field massage for a back strain, implying a degree of hypocrisy in India’s reaction to the perceived delays by Crawley. “Not sure what they were complaining about when Shubman was lying down getting a massage in the middle of the day yesterday,” Southee commented, adding that such incidents are “part of the game” and contribute to the excitement.
The Tense Final Over Unfolds
The controversial final over began with a notable delay, with the first ball bowled nearly two minutes past the scheduled time. Crawley’s deliberate approach to facing Bumrah, including stepping away from the crease multiple times, visibly frustrated the Indian bowler and his teammates. Reports indicate that Sky Sports had to issue an apology for explicit language picked up on the broadcast, stemming from Gill’s heated exchange with Crawley.
As the over progressed, India’s fielders rallied around their bowler, attempting to encourage Bumrah. The tension escalated when Bumrah’s fifth delivery struck Crawley on the glove. Crawley’s subsequent call for medical attention was met with a mixed reaction from the crowd, with cheers from England supporters and boos from Indian fans. The exchange between Gill and Crawley intensified, with Gill making an ‘X’ gesture and Crawley responding with a finger wave. Ben Duckett also intervened, appearing to address Gill’s remarks.
The day concluded with Crawley missing the final delivery, immediately turning towards the dressing room. Further words were exchanged between Duckett and India’s fielders as they left the pitch.
India’s Perspective: “Hoping to Get a Wicket”
Countering Southee’s perspective, Indian batter KL Rahul expressed his team’s disappointment at not being able to bowl their full two overs in the remaining six minutes of play. “There were six minutes left. Obviously, two overs is a no-brainer that any team will bowl two overs with six minutes to go,” Rahul stated.
He added that the team was “all pumped up” and hopeful of capitalising on the challenging situation for the batters. “We were hoping we could get a wicket there, and a wicket at the end of the day’s play would have been perfect for us,” Rahul explained. This sentiment underscores India’s desire to press their advantage after bowling India out for 387, matching England’s first-innings score.
The Test match itself has been a narrative of fluctuating fortunes and notable stoppages, including the earlier mentioned on-field treatment for Gill, which added to the day’s overall drama.
A “Fantastic” Day’s Cricket
Despite the controversy, former England captain Michael Vaughan described the events as “as good a piece of time-wasting I’ve ever seen.” However, he echoed Southee’s sentiment that neither side could truly complain, given the prior instances of tactical delays. Vaughan praised the unfolding drama, stating, “What great drama and what a great day. We’re in for a fourth and fifth day that will be fantastic.”
Echoing the sentiment that the series needed such moments, former England captain Sir Alastair Cook noted that such incidents are common in closely fought series. He likened Ben Duckett’s approach to that of a “dachshund” bravely facing down larger opponents, referencing his brief but feisty interaction with Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj.
England finished the day with a slender two-run lead, setting the stage for a compelling final two days of the Test match.