Following a tense exchange at the end of Day 3 of the third Test between India and England, hosts' bowling coach Tim Southee has offered his perspective on the incident between Indian captain Shubman Gill and English opener Zak Crawley. A big drama unfolded on the final over of the day, sparked by Crawley's actions that were perceived by the Indian side as deliberate time-wasting.
Tim Southee reacts to last-over drama on Day 3 of Lord's Test
The incident unfolded after India's first innings concluded at 387 runs. England were then left to face a brief period of play before the close of the day. However, the start of England's innings was delayed by approximately 90 seconds. During this time, Crawley reportedly twice pulled away as Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah was about to bowl. He also called for the team's physiotherapist, an action that many believed was intended to ensure England only had to bat for a single over before the day concluded.
These tactics visibly angered Shubman Gill, and he engaged in a verbal exchange with Zak Crawley. The confrontation escalated, involving finger-pointing and sarcastic clapping from some of the Indian fielders directed towards Crawley.
Speaking after the day's play concluded, Tim Southee described such exchanges as a natural occurrence arising from the intense atmosphere of the game. Southee also pointed out that Gill himself had received a massage during Day 2, seemingly questioning the Indian captain's criticism of Crawley's time-wasting tactics.
“It’s always exciting to see both sides animated towards the end. 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 obviously part of the game [when] you’re near the end of the day. It’s an exciting way to finish the day," Southee said in the post Day 3's press conference.
Adding a touch of humor to his remarks, Southee alluded to an earlier incident on Day 2 when Gill was observed receiving treatment while lying down during England's first innings. With a dry tone, the 36-year-old commented that Crawley would be 'assessed overnight' after being hit, suggesting that Crawley's injury might not have been as severe as portrayed.
“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. It’s been a long three days, and it was good to see the energy still there from both sides.”
At the close of play, the match was left delicately balanced, with England's second innings underway at 2/0 with Crawley (2*) and Ben Duckett (0*) intact on the crease.