Tensions flared on the third day of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s, as India captain Shubman Gill unleashed a heated verbal exchange with England opener Zak Crawley. With just five minutes remaining in the day’s play, England’s openers, Crawley and Ben Duckett, appeared to slow down proceedings, frustrating the Indian side. The visitors, led by an animated Gill, didn’t hold back their irritation.
After India were bowled out for 387 matching England’s first-innings total England seemed content to face just one over before stumps. As Jasprit Bumrah steamed in, Crawley repeatedly stepped down the pitch, delaying the over’s progress. Gill, visibly agitated, approached Crawley and made a hand gesture to vent his frustration. According to sources, Gill sharply told Crawley, “Grow some f****** b****,” as the over dragged on with only two balls bowled.
Always annoying when you can't get another over in before close 🙄 pic.twitter.com/3Goknoe2n5
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2025
The drama didn’t end there. Moments later, Crawley again walked down the pitch to confer with Duckett, prompting sarcastic applause from Bumrah and his teammates. Gill engaged Crawley in another verbal sparring match, culminating in a tense stare-down between the two.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah Explains Muted Lord’s Five-For Reaction: ‘I’m Not 21 Anymore’
At the close of play, England stood at 2 for no loss, with Crawley on 2 and Duckett yet to score. The day had been a rollercoaster, marked by India’s gritty batting effort to level England’s total. KL Rahul anchored the innings with a stylish 100 off 177 balls, becoming only the second Indian batter after Dilip Vengsarkar to score multiple centuries at Lord’s. Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 74 off 112 balls and Ravindra Jadeja’s composed 72 off 131 balls bolstered India’s total, though Pant’s run-out by Ben Stokes ended a crucial 141-run stand with Rahul just before lunch.