NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticised captain Shubman Gill following India’s 22-run defeat at Lord’s, which allowed England to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Despite a commendable bowling performance that saw India dismiss England for 192, the visitors faltered in the chase, getting bowled out for 170 in their pursuit of 193 on the final day.Kaif pointed to Gill’s confrontation with Zak Crawley as a key moment that sparked England’s fightback, particularly through their captain Ben Stokes.“Shubman Gill’s fight with Zak Crawley charged England. After Edgbaston, there were questions about their batting, bowling and captaincy. But that incident fired up Stokes and he bowled an inspiring spells. It is wise to stick to the attitude that works for you. Gill will learn this the hard way,” Kaif wrote on his social media handle.The third day of the Test ended in high drama, with tempers flaring and tensions boiling over during the final moments of play.
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With just a couple of minutes remaining before stumps, Indian players returned to the field energised, looking to challenge England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett with as many deliveries as possible before the close.
Jasprit Bumrah took the new ball, attempting to unsettle the batters with his pace and variation. However, after his second delivery, he appeared visibly annoyed—possibly because Crawley was taking too much time between deliveries. As Bumrah began his run-up again, Crawley stepped away from the crease, further aggravating the Indian players.Gill, fielding in the slips, shouted something in Crawley’s direction, and several teammates joined in. On the fifth delivery of the over, Crawley was struck on the glove and quickly removed it, calling for the physio.
His reaction was met with sarcastic applause from the Indian side. Gill rushed toward Crawley and gestured towards the dressing room, provoking a verbal exchange. Crawley responded, and Duckett also engaged in a heated exchange with the Indian captain.England went on to win the Test by 22 runs and take a 2-1 lead in the series.The fourth Test begins on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
