Tensions flared at Lord's on July 12, 2025, as England's Zak Crawley ignited a time-wasting controversy, drawing a furious reaction from India captain Shubman Gill. The incident occurred in the final over of the third day of the Rothesay Test, with the scores level after India were bowled out for 387, exactly matching England's first-innings total. This left just enough time for two awkward overs to be bowled at the end of the day.
Crawley, however, ensured that only one over was possible. He repeatedly pulled out of his stance while facing Jasprit Bumrah, citing distractions behind the bowler's arm, although what these distractions were was unclear. After defending a ball, Crawley then shook his hand, removed his glove, and called for the team physio to assess a minor contact with his glove. These delays ate up valuable seconds, frustrating the Indian team who were keen to bowl another over.
The Indian team was visibly annoyed by Crawley's tactics. As it became apparent that they wouldn't get another over, tempers flared, with Sky Sports even issuing an on-air apology after Gill was overheard using an expletive. Crawley and Gill exchanged angry words, jabbing fingers at each other, while England's Ben Duckett also joined in the exchange from the non-striker's end.
England's official X account added fuel to the fire by posting footage of the final over with the caption, "always annoying when you can't get another over in before close".
England's bowling consultant, Tim Southee, responded to the incident by appearing to accuse Gill of double standards, referencing Gill receiving treatment during England's innings on day two and all-rounder Washington Sundar taking a comfort break while batting. Southee downplayed the situation, stating, "I'm not sure what they were complaining about when Gill was lying down getting a massage in the middle of the day yesterday... It's obviously part of the game". He added, "It's always exciting to see both sides animated towards the end and it was an exciting way to finish the day. It was good to see energy from both sides". When questioned about Crawley's hand injury, Southee said, "He'll be assessed overnight. Hopefully he'll be alright to…,".
The incident has added extra spice to the Test match. Crawley's actions, described as "cheeky delaying tactics," have been seen by some as gamesmanship, while others view them as unsportsmanlike. As Crawley walked off the field after the final ball, he could "expect plenty of spicy words when he resumes on day four".
