The confrontation between Team India captain Shubman Gill and England opener Zak Crawley in the last over of the 3rd Test at Lord’s has not gone down well with several former England cricketers.However, some like Stuart Broad and Steven Finn have taken it in lighter spirit, while former captain Michael Vaughan and interim England bowling coach Tim Southee have slammed India for complaining about the time-wasting.India were furious with Crawley’s tactics, with captain Shubman Gill telling him to “grow some f—ing balls.”
Who said what on the final over drama?
“It’s as good a piece of time-wasting as I’ve ever seen,” former England captain Michael Vaughan told the Test Match Special podcast.“India can’t complain because yesterday Gill was down with a hamstring strain – Rahul was off the field and wouldn’t have been able to open the batting.Neither team can complain, but what great drama and what a great day. We’re in for a fourth and fifth day that will be fantastic.”Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook said the series needed this kind of fire.“Everyone has been so friendly, but this always happens in a five-match series,” he said.England bowling coach Tim Southee said India captain Shubman Gill should not be complaining.
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How do you feel about the time-wasting tactics used by England?
“I’m not sure what they were complaining about when Shubman Gill was lying down getting a massage in the middle of the day yesterday. It’s part of the game near the end of the day. It was an exciting way to finish.”Former England pacer Stuart Broad said he won’t be moaning after what happened in the last seven minutes.“I’ve been moaning about slow play, so it feels strange that my favourite over of the series – the final one of the day – lasted 7 minutes,” Broad wrote on X.Steven Finn simply said: “Proper shithousery. Love it.”Team India opener KL Rahul warned England that India would return in a fiery mood on Day 4.“It’s part of the game now,” Rahul told reporters.
“I understand from an opening batter’s point of view. I know what’s going on – everyone does. An opener will completely understand what happened in those last few minutes.“We wanted to bowl two overs. That’s a no-brainer – any team would bowl two overs with six minutes to go. There was a bit of theatrics at the end, and we were all pumped up because we know how difficult it is for a batter to come in after two days in the field. A wicket at the end would have been perfect.”
