Shubman Gill (Sahil Malhotra/TimesofIndia.com)
TimesofIndia.com in Manchester: Team India Test captain Shubman Gill has hit back at England over their alleged time-wasting tactics during the third Test at Lord’s, calling it “not in the spirit of the game.”Speaking to reporters on the eve of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Gill addressed the controversial incident involving Zak Crawley, which sparked a heated confrontation late on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test.“Let me just clear the air for once and for all. The English batsmen on that day, they had 7 minutes of play left. They were 90 seconds late to come to the crease. Not 10, not 20, 90 seconds late. Yes, most of the teams, they use this. Even if we were in a position, we would have also liked to play lesser overs. But there is a manner to do it. And we felt, yes, if you get hit on your body, the physios are allowed to come on,” Gill said on Tuesday. “And that is something that is fair. But to be able to come 90 seconds late on the crease is not something that I would think comes in the spirit of the game.”The flashpoint came when India, having bowled England out for 387 and matched the total themselves, were eager to bowl two overs before stumps. However, Crawley’s slow approach ensured only one over was bowled, frustrating the Indian players. A visibly agitated Gill was caught on the stump mic swearing, which added fuel to the controversy.Gill also discussed team combinations ahead of the must-win fourth Test. With injuries affecting India’s pace attack, the 25-year-old acknowledged the challenge. “Akash Deep is unavailable, so is Arshdeep, but we have good players in the team to pick twenty wickets. It is not ideal to have different bowlers, but I was prepared,” he said.There is growing anticipation around young pacer Anshul Kamboj, who impressed during net sessions. “He is very close to making his debut. We will see between Prasidh and Anshul tomorrow,” Gill added, suggesting a late call on the final XI.On batting concerns, Gill backed Karun Nair to find form. “He didn’t bat at his number in the first game and we have had conversations with him, and he will turn it around,” he said. The skipper also confirmed that Rishabh Pant will take the wicketkeeping duties.When asked about team strategy, Gill emphasised consistency. “Nine-ten players are mostly same for every condition. That one or two players change depending on conditions. We have been discussing about starting and closing sessions well. Sometimes it’s not in your control,” he explained.The pitch at Old Trafford, Gill noted, might offer more assistance for fast bowlers than Lord’s. “The wicket didn’t look that damp. More pace, bounce,” he observed after practice.As the series stands 2-1 in England’s favour, the fourth Test promises another intense battle, both on and off the field, with Gill’s words adding to the spice of a contest already rich in drama.
