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Key Points

Mike Atherton praised the heated exchange between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley as thrilling cricket drama. The final over saw Crawley delaying tactics and Gill's aggressive reaction. Nasser Hussain called it "box-office stuff" while Dinesh Karthik enjoyed the passion on display. England’s Tim Southee assured Crawley’s injury would be assessed overnight.

Key Points: Atherton Praises Shubman Gill and Crawley Drama in Lord's Test

  • Fiery exchange between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley in final over
  • Atherton calls it a "red-blooded contest"
  • Crawley checked for injury after Bumrah delivery
  • Nasser Hussain labels it "box-office stuff at Lord's"
2 min read

Brilliant drama, great theatre & red-blooded contest: Atherton reflects on last-over drama at Lord's

Mike Atherton hails the fiery Gill-Crawley clash as "brilliant drama" in a thrilling final over at Lord's Test.

"Brilliant drama, great theatre – Mike Atherton on Sky Sports"

London, July 13

Former England captain Mike Atherton reflected on the final over where India’s captain Shubman Gill had a fiery exchange with Zak Crawley for the latter's cheeky delaying tactics during the final minutes on Day 3 of Lord's Test, saying he loved watching the "brilliant drama" and the "fantastic end to a nip-and-tuck day". 

With 10 minutes left at the end of day three’s play on Saturday, Crawley was wasting time on the crease, pulling away four times before facing the third ball from Jasprit Bumrah that made Gill run from the slips, hurling verbals at Crawley and Ben Duckett. Mohammed Siraj also had a chirp. Crawley was then hit on the glove, so he took a moment to take off his glove to check his hand and gestured for the physio to come on.

Things began to heat up again as Gill made a sarcastic clap and gestured towards the pavilion, even as Crawley was checked for his injury, before being beaten by a seaming away delivery from Bumrah to end a day’s play.

"There was chit-chat but I didn't mind that. It was a red-blooded contest and you have to give players a bit of leeway. I loved watching it and thought it was a fantastic end to a nip-and-tuck day. Brilliant drama, great theatre," Atherton said on Sky Sports.

His fellow commentator, former England captain Nasser Hussain added, "Box-office stuff at Lord's. A hot day got a little bit heated towards the end."

Former India wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik also chuckled his way through the feisty closing stages while on commentary, adding, "Exactly what you want to see. The aggression, the passion, both teams wanting to win real bad and going hard at each other."

However, after the end of the day England coaching consultant Tim Southee shared an update on Crawley, saying, "Zak will be assessed overnight and hopefully he will be alright to carry on tomorrow."

"Both sides have played some good cricket and in a good spirit, and tonight was just a bit of energy towards the end of the day. It's been a long three days, and it was good to see the energy still there from both sides," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
While the drama was entertaining, I wish Gill had shown more restraint. As captain, he needs to stay calm under pressure. The sarcastic clapping wasn't necessary - let the cricket do the talking! Otherwise a fantastic day of Test cricket though.
V
Vikram M
Typical English tactics yaar! When they can't win fair and square, they resort to time wasting. Remember the 2011 series? Same story. Bumrah and Siraj gave them perfect reply with that fiery bowling. Proud of our boys! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this was absolute gold! Test cricket needs more of these moments - the tension, the emotions, the mind games. Both teams played their part in creating unforgettable theatre at the Home of Cricket. More please! 🏏
K
Karthik V
Crawley was clearly faking injury to waste time. ICC should introduce stricter rules against such tactics. Otherwise every team will start doing this in tight situations. India showed great fighting spirit though - that Bumrah delivery to end the day was pure class!
P
Priya S
Loved seeing the passion from our boys! After all the sledging we've faced over the years, it's good to see India giving it back. Test cricket is meant to be competitive - as long as it doesn't cross the line, this kind of intensity is great for the game.

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