Ahead of the 4th Test in Manchester, England’s former batter and coach Mark Ramprakash has backed Indian captain Shubman Gill over the controversial time-wasting incident involving Zak Crawley during the Lord’s Test. Ramprakash stated that Crawley went too far with his tactics and exposed the umpires’ failure to control the game.
On Day 3 of the Lord’s Test, Crawley and his partner arrived late at the crease and repeatedly delayed the start of the over from Jasprit Bumrah. Shubman Gill, visibly frustrated, lashed out during the closing minutes of play. He later explained in a press conference that England’s delay tactics and disregard for the spirit of the game led to his outburst.
Umpires criticized for lack of action
In a column for The Guardian, Ramprakash called out both Crawley and the match officials. He pointed out that the umpires failed to step in even as England slowed the pace of the game. He described the long drinks break and Crawley’s mid-over interruptions as unprofessional, suggesting that such moments invite frustration and tension on the field.
Ramprakash also commented on Gill’s fiery reaction, noting that he hadn’t expected such intensity from the young Indian skipper. He emphasized that Gill had the full support of his teammates, showing strong unity in the face of adversity.
Heated moments lead to greater team bonding
The incident between Gill and Crawley turned into a talking point in the series. During Bumrah’s over, Crawley backed away multiple times and later sought medical help after getting hit on the glove, further delaying play. This led to mocking applause from Indian players and a verbal exchange between the two cricketers.
Ramprakash concluded that while gamesmanship is part of cricket, Crawley’s actions crossed a line. He admired how Gill’s passion unified the Indian team, even if emotions briefly ran high. With England leading the series 2-1, all eyes are now on Manchester as the two sides prepare for a crucial fourth Test beginning July 23.
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