Shubman Gill Criticizes ‘Unsportsmanlike Conduct’ in IND vs ENG Clash
Team India Test captain Shubman Gill has voiced his strong disapproval of England’s alleged time-wasting tactics during the third Test at Lord’s, labeling it as contrary to the spirit of the game. In a press conference ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Gill shed light on a controversial incident involving England’s Zak Crawley, which led to a heated confrontation on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test. He emphasized that England’s late arrival to the crease, being 90 seconds delayed, was unacceptable and not in keeping with the game’s ethos.
Controversial Incident at Lord’s
The tension between the Indian and English teams escalated during the third Test when India, having bowled England out for 387 and matching their total, aimed to bowl two overs before stumps. However, Crawley’s sluggish approach meant only one over was bowled, much to the frustration of the Indian players. Shubman Gill, visibly upset, was caught on the stump mic expressing his anger, which only intensified the drama surrounding the match. Gill clarified the timeline, stating that the English batsmen were not merely late but significantly delayed, which he believes undermines the spirit of competitive cricket. He acknowledged that while every team may try to manage overs in their favor, there are acceptable ways to do so, and Crawley’s actions crossed that line.
Team Preparations Ahead of Fourth Test
As India prepares for the crucial fourth Test, Gill expressed concerns regarding the team’s pace attack, which has been affected by injuries. Notably, key bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are unavailable, posing a challenge for the Indian side. However, Gill remains optimistic, highlighting the team’s depth and the ability to secure twenty wickets even with a different bowling lineup. There is particular interest surrounding young pacer Anshul Kamboj, who has shown promise in practice sessions. Gill indicated that a decision on whether Kamboj or Prasidh Krishna will feature in the playing XI will be made closer to the match start.
Batting Concerns and Strategies
On the batting front, Gill expressed confidence in Karun Nair’s ability to regain his form. He pointed out that Nair’s batting position in the first game was not ideal, and he has had discussions aimed at turning things around. Additionally, Gill confirmed that Rishabh Pant will retain wicketkeeping duties for the upcoming match. He emphasized the importance of consistency in the team, noting that while the core group of players remains stable across different conditions, adaptations are necessary based on specific challenges presented by the pitch and weather.
Pitch Conditions at Old Trafford
Regarding the pitch conditions at Old Trafford, Gill noted that it appeared to offer more assistance for fast bowlers compared to Lord’s. He observed that the wicket did not seem particularly damp, which could lead to a surface that provides more pace and bounce. As the series stands at 2-1 in favor of England, the fourth Test is poised to be a compelling contest, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Gill’s comments have added an extra layer of intrigue, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense battle on the field.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
