Gill Loses Cool as England Run Down the Clock in Tense Lord’s Finale

Gill Loses Cool as England Run Down the Clock in Tense Lord’s Finale

Tensions flared late on the third day of the second Test at Lord’s as England were accused of deliberate time-wasting to avoid facing more than one over before stumps, provoking a furious reaction from India captain Shubman Gill.

The drama unfolded during the final six minutes of play, when England began their second innings. As Jasprit Bumrah ran in to bowl, Zak Crawley pulled away twice, prompting Gill to lash out with a fiery expletive, reportedly telling Crawley to "grow some f***ing balls."

Crawley was then struck on the glove two balls later and called for medical attention, further frustrating the Indian fielders, who responded with sarcastic applause and pointed remarks. A heated exchange followed between Crawley and Gill, with finger-pointing exchanged as emotions spilled over.

England's bowling coach Tim Southee responded sharply to the incident, calling out Gill for hypocrisy. “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,” Southee said. “It’s obviously part of the game when you’re near the end of the day.”

India had hoped to bowl two overs before stumps, but England’s tactics ensured only one was bowled, much to their frustration. KL Rahul, who fielded through the day, said: “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.”

Despite the controversy, Rahul acknowledged the strategic logic behind England’s tactics. “What happened at the end is just part of the game now. I understand from an opening batter’s point of view… everyone knows exactly what was going on.”

He added that India were already fired up and keen to exploit the challenging conditions for a new batter. “A wicket at the end of the day would've been perfect for us,” he said. “Tomorrow, even without that, we’ll be ready.”

Southee, meanwhile, downplayed the altercation, calling it a sign of the competitive spirit in the series. “Both sides have played some good cricket and in a good spirit, and tonight was just a bit of energy towards the end of the day.”

England's slow over rate has also drawn criticism, with 32 overs lost across the first three days. Southee defended the pace, citing heat, frequent drinks breaks, and DRS reviews. “It’s probably at the extreme level,” he admitted.

With tempers high and the series finely balanced, the final two days at Lord’s promise even more intensity in what has already been a fiercely contested match.

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