KL Rahul Reflects on Tense Moments During England vs India Test Match

Dramatic Final Moments at Lord's

London [UK], July 13: KL Rahul, India's experienced opener, shared insights into the intense scenes that unfolded during the concluding moments of Day 3 in the third Test against England at the iconic Lord's cricket ground.

As the day drew to a close, emotions surged and tensions escalated during the final over of a thrilling Test match. With both teams tied at 387 runs, England's openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, faced the challenge of navigating a crucial eight to ten minutes.

Before the third delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, Crawley hesitated, suggesting there was movement behind the bowler. However, Bumrah and Indian captain Shubman Gill seemed skeptical of Crawley's claim, leading Gill to express his frustration vocally from the slip cordon.

On the fifth delivery, Crawley was struck on the glove, prompting him to remove it and call for the physio, which ignited chaos on the field. Indian players quickly surrounded the English openers as Gill and Crawley exchanged heated words, pointing fingers at one another.

Rahul, who witnessed the entire incident, remarked that such moments are part of the game. He emphasized that as an opening batter, he comprehends the dynamics of the situation that unfolded in those last five minutes.

“What transpired at the end is just part of the game. From an opening batter's perspective, I completely understand what was happening, and everyone involved knows it too. An opening batter will grasp the significance of those last five minutes,” Rahul explained to reporters after the day's play.

While many were surprised to see Gill so animated, Rahul noted that it wasn't unusual for him. “Yes, I have seen him fired up before. We aimed to bowl two overs with six minutes remaining. It’s a straightforward decision for any team,” he added.

Rahul described the situation as a bit of theatrics, stating, “We were all energized because we recognize how challenging it is for a batter to come in for just two overs after being in the field all day. We were hopeful for a wicket.”

He expressed that securing a wicket in those closing moments would have been ideal. Even if they ended the day without a wicket, the Indian players would remain motivated to pursue a result.

“A wicket at the end of the day would have been perfect for us. Regardless, we would have been fired up because of the game's current state. With two days left, both teams are essentially back to square one,” he noted.

“After three days of intense cricket, everything hinges on the final two days. We will aim to take ten wickets quickly and enjoy our time on the field,” he concluded.

Despite the heated exchanges, England ended the day at 2/0 and will look to build on their position as the match progresses into the final six sessions.