Tim Southee Critiques Shubman Gill Amid Tense Moments in Third Test
Tensions Rise During Final Moments of Day 3
London [UK], July 13: Tim Southee, a bowling consultant for England, took a jab at Indian captain Shubman Gill following the intense conclusion of Day 3 in the third Test at Lord's.
As India concluded their innings at 387, matching England's score, the atmosphere became charged with emotions. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were set to navigate a challenging eight to ten minutes before the day's end.
Before Jasprit Bumrah's third delivery in his opening over, Crawley sidestepped twice, signaling movement behind the bowler. Both Bumrah and Gill seemed skeptical, believing Crawley was stalling. Gill voiced his frustration, shouting at Crawley from the slip position.
On the fifth delivery, Crawley was struck on the glove and promptly removed it to consult the physio, leading to chaos on the field. The Indian team responded with sarcastic applause, surrounding the English openers as Gill and Crawley exchanged heated words, pointing fingers at one another.
Southee remarked that Gill had no grounds to complain, recalling that Gill had received a massage on the field the previous day. He stated, “It’s always thrilling to see both teams animated towards the end. I’m not sure what India was upset about when Shubman was lying down, taking a massage in the middle of the day yesterday. It’s clearly part of the game.”
England managed to consume enough time to finish the day without losing a wicket, ending with a score of 2/0. KL Rahul, India's seasoned opener, acknowledged England's tactics given their predicament.
“What transpired at the end is just part of the game now. I understand it from an opening batter’s perspective. I know exactly what’s happening, and everyone is aware of it. An opening batter will fully grasp what occurred in those last five minutes,” Rahul explained during a press conference.
Throughout the three days, 32 overs were lost for various reasons. Southee defended the slow-over rate, saying, “It’s never ideal, but it’s been hot, leading to more drinks breaks than usual. There have been several stoppages with the ball, and DRS takes time. Losing that many overs is probably at the extreme level.”