IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Former England captain Michael Vaughan has thrown his weight behind Zak Crawley’s contentious time-wasting tactics in the last over theatrics of Day 3 of the ongoing third Test at Lord’s Ground, calling it “as good a piece” he has ever seen.
However, Vaughan was quick to point the finger at Team India, stating that the visiting side can’t complain as they had employed the same approach on the second day.
After India wrapped up their innings with 387, a total identical to England’s, they came out to bowl two overs before the Stumps of the 3rd Day.
When England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett came out to bat, the serene atmosphere at Lord’s reached its boiling point. India’s efforts to squeeze in two last overs were thwarted as England opener Crawley’s time-wasting ploy caused a quick shift in the dynamic of Day 3. The air turned volatile as emotions overflowed, injecting a heavy dose of drama heading into Day 4, with hosts taking a narrow two-run lead.
In the dying minutes of the day, there was enough drama with India skipper Shubman Gill and Crawley engaged in a heated confrontation, which could have turned uglier after the visiting side captain, in some choicest language, urged the English opener to show some guts while facing Bumrah.
The fifth ball of the world’s best pacer, Bumrah, struck on Crawley’s glove, prompting him to remove it and call the physio for medical attention swiftly. The scene quickly descended into chaos as the Indian players swarmed around Crawley, giving him sarcastic applause. The tension escalated into a verbal spat between Gill and Crawley as both players were seen pointing fingers at each other.
It meant India had time for just one over, which angered the visitors as England ended day three at 2 for no loss in their second innings.
“It’s as good a piece of time-wasting I’ve ever seen. India can’t complain because yesterday Gill was down with the hamstring strain – (KL) Rahul was off the field and wouldn’t have been able to open the batting,” Vaughan was quoted as saying by BBC’s Test Match Special podcast.
After much drama, Vaughan pointed out that both teams were equally blameworthy in the heated exchange.
“Neither team can complain, but what great drama and what a great day. We’re in for a fourth and fifth day that will be fantastic,” he added.