The third day of the Test match at Lord’s between India and England ended with high tension and fiery scenes, as Shubman Gill lashed out at England opener Zak Crawley for what he saw as time-wasting tactics. Team India later addressed the incident, calling the last-over theatrics unnecessary but part of the competitive spirit.

India Matches England’s Total as Rahul Anchors Innings

India wrapped up their first innings with 387 runs, matching England's total. KL Rahul played a crucial role, scoring a century off 177 balls and bringing much-needed stability to the innings. However, the lower-order once again faltered, continuing a pattern that drew criticism after the first Test in Leeds, which India lost by five wickets.

India Eyes Late Breakthrough, Crawley’s Delay Sparks Anger

As England prepared to begin their second innings, only six minutes remained before stumps. India quickly returned to the field, eager to bowl two overs and possibly take an early wicket. Jasprit Bumrah opened the attack with Zak Crawley on strike.

The tension built when Crawley pulled away just before facing Bumrah’s third ball, gesturing toward the sight screen. This delay triggered a fiery response from Shubman Gill, who was overheard yelling, “Grow some f***ing balls!”

The situation escalated when Crawley, after defending the next ball, took off his gloves and signaled for medical help, claiming pain in his hand. Gill, visibly irritated, charged toward Crawley, and another heated exchange followed before umpires intervened.

Rahul Clarifies Team India’s Intentions

Speaking to reporters after stumps, KL Rahul said India simply wanted to take advantage of the six minutes remaining by bowling two overs and possibly grabbing a late breakthrough.

“There were six minutes left. It is a no-brainer that any team will bowl two overs with six minutes to go, but it was a bit of theatrics at the end,” Rahul explained.

He added that getting a wicket just before the close of play would have been a major boost for India. “We know how difficult it is for a batter to come to bat for two overs when you've been in the field all day,” he said. “A wicket at the end of the day's play would've been perfect for us.”

Rahul Understands Crawley’s Reaction as Fellow Opener

Despite the heated moment, Rahul expressed understanding for Crawley’s behavior, drawing from his own experience as an opening batter.

“What happened at the end is just part of the game now,” he said. “I understand from an opening batter's point of view. I know exactly what was going on, and everyone knows exactly what was going on. But an opening batter will understand completely what happened in the last five minutes.”