The Day 3 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s ended in dramatic fashion, with tempers flaring in the final moments of play. While India had a solid day with the bat riding on KL Rahul’s classy century, Rishabh Pant’s brisk 74, and Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty 72, the mood shifted sharply as England’s openers came out for a brief stint before stumps.
India were dismissed for 387, equaling England’s first-innings score and establishing an intriguing second half of the game. But before the day could wind down quietly, there was tension. Jasprit Bumrah bowled the new ball for India’s second innings of bowling, and in the very first over, England opener Zak Crawley seemed to be holding back the game intentionally.
Crawley’s antics of time-wasting elicited instant attention. He was observed fidgeting, changing gear time and time again, and apparently doing all he could to slow down proceedings ending up compelling stumps to be called only after one over. Indian skipper Shubman Gill was visibly upset, having a few choice words with Crawley, as much to the surprise of audiences who watched the spectacle unfold.
What Farokh Engineer Said?
The episode drew a tide of reaction, with former India cricketer Farokh Engineer sharply rebuking it in strong terms. In an interview with RevSportz, Engineer had termed Crawley’s action “blatant cheating.”
“The English may term it professionalism, but I term it cheating. That was obvious time-wasting. They did not just want to have to go through another over, it was plain. Crawley did not even attempt to cover it up. It was not fair play, and I do not think our batsmen would’ve done something so blatant. The bottom line is: it’s not cricket,” Engineer averred.
He also used the platform to take a swipe at England’s highly touted ‘Bazball’ style, implying that it doesn’t work against top sides such as India.
“Bazball is all bundlebaz. They may get away with it against Bangladesh, Afghanistan, or Sri Lanka, but not against India. I’ve said it before they cannot maintain that way of play against good opposition. For goodness’ sake, I wish they had continued with Bazball. We’d have already wrapped up the series,” he laughed.
As the Test enters Day 4 with both teams tied at parity, everyone’s eyes will be on how England react to India’s aggression not only with runs and wickets, but in attitude and sportsman spirit as well.
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