Tensions are escalating between the Indian and English cricket teams as India's captain, Shubman Gill, has publicly accused England of violating the "spirit of the game" during the third Test at Lord's. Gill's pointed remarks have ignited a war of words ahead of the crucial fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford, with the series poised at 2-1 in England's favor.

The controversy stems from an incident on the third evening of the Lord's Test, where England's opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, were allegedly late to the crease as they were meant to bat out the final seven minutes. Gill claims the openers' delayed arrival meant India could only bowl a single over before the close of play. According to Gill, the English batsmen were "90 seconds late to come to the crease – not 10, not 20, 90 seconds late". He asserted that such behavior falls outside the boundaries of acceptable gamesmanship and is "not something that comes in the spirit of the game".

The flashpoint on the field also involved Crawley seeking medical attention after being struck on the hand by Jasprit Bumrah, which further frustrated the Indian side. This prompted an on-field outburst from Gill, who was caught telling Crawley to "grow some f***ing balls". Gill has since acknowledged his reaction wasn't his "proudest moment" but explained that "a lot of things that we thought should not have happened had happened" leading up to the incident. He alluded to "mounting frustrations" preceding the confrontation.

England's camp has responded to the accusations with their captain, Ben Stokes, stating that his side would not deliberately seek confrontation but would not back down from any hostility either. Stokes' response suggests a willingness to stand their ground amidst the escalating tensions.

The "spirit of cricket" is a long-standing tradition encompassing proper conduct, although interpretations often differ between teams. Gill acknowledged that most teams employ delaying tactics when beneficial, but maintained that there are appropriate methods for doing so. He stated that while using physios after a player is hit is fair, deliberately delaying the start of play is not.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has also weighed in on the controversy, noting that Gill's aggression was "a little out of character" but understandable in the context of him wanting to "put a stamp on his team" as a captain. Ponting drew parallels to Virat Kohli's leadership style and acknowledged the pressures of playing in England.

The fourth Test commences on Wednesday at Emirates Old Trafford, with England needing a victory to clinch the series. The match is expected to be highly charged, given the accusations and the series situation. Gill has also addressed concerns about India's injury-hit pace attack, acknowledging the challenge but expressing confidence in the team's ability to take twenty wickets.