An intense final over on Day 3 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s lit up the historic ground with fiery exchanges, mind games, and raw aggression. Jasprit Bumrah, operating with menacing rhythm, and Shubman Gill from the slip cordon, combined to apply immense pressure on England opener Zak Crawley both physically and mentally.
The flashpoint came when Crawley, facing Bumrah, suddenly pulled out of his stance just as the pacer was about to deliver the ball. It appeared to be a tactic to unsettle Bumrah and perhaps disrupt his rhythm, but it had the opposite effect. Shubman Gill, standing close at slip, walked up aggressively and gave Crawley an earful. Caught on the stump mic, Gill reportedly told Crawley, “Grow some f***ing balls,” clearly fed up with what the Indians perceived as deliberate time-wasting.
Just a couple of deliveries later, Bumrah banged one in on a good length. The ball rose sharply, catching Crawley on the gloves as he tried to block it. In clear discomfort, Crawley called for the physio. But instead of sympathy, he was met with further intensity. Gill sarcastically asked if Crawley was okay and then cheekily gestured an ‘X’ with his arms. That gesture sparked a sharp response from Crawley, who exchanged words with Gill, pointing a finger in frustration. Ben Duckett had to intervene and cool tempers down before the situation escalated further.
Bumrah continued the over with venom, drawing sharp movement off the seam. The exchanges between bat and ball were matched by equally charged words and body language, making it one of the most animated ends to a day’s play in recent memory.
