Zak Crawley Responds to Shubman Gill's Claims During Intense Test Match

Heated Exchange Between Crawley and Gill

During the third Test at Lord's, a notable incident unfolded between England's opener Zak Crawley and Indian batsman Shubman Gill. The two players found themselves in a tense exchange on the field, with Gill reportedly caught on the stump microphone hurling a profanity-laden remark at Crawley, urging him to 'grow some f*** b***s.' This moment quickly gained traction online, sparking discussions about sportsmanship and player conduct.

Crawley's Take on the Incident

Following the second day of the ongoing fourth Test, Crawley addressed the altercation, downplaying it as an 'unintentional' moment. He clarified that he never intended to violate any rules. 'I typically remain in my position until the umpires are ready. I stepped out when I noticed them, unaware we were running late by 90 seconds,' he explained.

'Most of the time, I would let it go, but sometimes I feel it's a good opportunity to respond. I enjoyed that brief eight-minute segment. No one crossed the line, and I thought the atmosphere was competitive yet friendly,' he added.

Crawley Enjoys Competitive Spirit

Crawley expressed his fondness for such competitive moments in cricket, stating, 'I’ve always appreciated that aspect of the game, especially while batting. It’s two of you against eleven, and they’re eager to dismiss you while chirping away.'

Praise for Rishabh Pant's Resilience

Crawley also commended Rishabh Pant for his remarkable performance despite battling a confirmed toe fracture. 'Not many can come out and bat like he did on one foot,' he remarked.

England's Strong Position in the Fourth Test

Day 2 largely belonged to England, who rebounded after a shaky start. Ben Stokes delivered a stellar performance, claiming five wickets, his first such achievement in a Test since 2017, as India lost their last six wickets for just 96 runs. England then established a solid opening partnership of 166, with both Crawley and Ben Duckett making significant contributions but falling short of centuries.

At the end of the day, England stood at a promising 225/2, trailing India's 358, with Ollie Pope (20) and Joe Root (11) not out.