India vs England: ‘Time-wasting’ allegation on Day 3 explored
Day 5 of the third Test between India and England ended with the hosts winning by 22 runs, putting the score now at 2-1 in favour of the hosts. To this day, it is still being discussed whether Day 3 could have changed the overall outcome of the 3rd Test. It involves English batter Zak Crawley’s alleged time-wasting that infuriated Team India’s captain.
What caused suspicion of delaying tactics?
The main cause of Shubman Gill’s outburst happened when opener Crawley repeatedly backed away from his stance before the third delivery. Bowler Jasprit Bumrah was visibly frustrated, sharing his captain’s thoughts that these are delaying tactics.
Bumrah’s fifth delivery bounced and hit Crawley on the bottom glove, striking his finger. This led the English batter to call for the physiotherapist. England fans erupted with cheers while Indian supporters responded with boos. This sequence ensured that he and Ben Duckett only had to face one more over that day
Shubman Gill’s heated accusation
‘Grow some f***ing b*lls!’, yelled India captain Shubman Gill at England’s batter, Crawley. It marked the height of frustration as the visitors accused the host team of deliberate delaying tactics. Sky Sports later issued an apology for broadcasting Gill’s language, which became the day's main talking point for both sides.
England fires back, saying the accusation is hypocrisy
The English side claims that Gill has no right to point fingers because his team is also guilty of using the same strategy in previous matches. England’s Tim Southee pointed out that Team India had requested multiple ball changes during the match. There were also prolonged drink breaks and batters leaving the field for unscheduled toilet breaks.
Was there weight to Gill’s accusation of time-wasting?
Whether or not Crawley intended to delay the game is debatable, but it had a noticeable impact on the day’s play. India batter Kannaur Lokesh ‘KL’ Rahul was dismayed because they were hoping to bowl for two more overs. The delay cost the team a strategic opportunity to turn the tide, resulting in their 22-run deficit.
This raises the question — who’s to blame for India missing an over on Day 3 of Test 3? If both sides are guilty of time-wasting, then it can be agreed that both sides share the blame.
Could India have won if it weren’t for the time-wasting?
In theory, yes, India could have won Test 3 if they had one more over and additional time for their bowlers. However, it depends on how effectively they could capitalise on the opportunity.
Still, the chance was slim. India still needed to dismiss England by one wicket or concede 22 fewer runs in the match. Blaming the result solely on the missed over oversimplifies what was a complex and tightly contested match.
