Cricket fans couldn’t have asked for a more dramatic end to day three of the third Test between England and India.
What started as a gritty grind ended with flaring tempers, a mic-drop moment, and a perfectly balanced scoreboard.
By Saturday night, the match had been flipped on its head, setting up an intense one-innings battle for what promises to be a thrilling finish.
England Trigger Collapse After India Matches Their Score
India came into day three looking to build a lead after England had posted 387 in their first innings.
But just when it looked like the visitors might inch ahead, England struck with a late flurry—claiming India’s last four wickets for just 11 runs, leaving the scores level.
That late burst not only changed the momentum, it left the match teetering with everything still to play for.
It also meant England had just seven minutes to face the new ball at the end of play… which led to the next bit of drama.
Crawley’s Delay Tactics Infuriate India
With time ticking away, Zak Crawley seemed in no rush to face India’s opening salvo.
He called for the physio, adjusted gear, and effectively slowed things down to ensure only one over was bowled before stumps. India weren’t impressed.
India captain Shubman Gill didn’t hold back.
Caught on the stump mic, he told Crawley to “grow some f*ing balls**”—a fiery outburst that quickly lit up social media and summed up just how tense things had become.
Crawley, to his credit, survived the single over from Jasprit Bumrah, and England ended the day two runs ahead, with all wickets intact.
Southee Downplays Heated Exchange
Speaking after the day’s play, England coaching consultant Tim Southee tried to cool things down.
He suggested the friction was more about passion than anything malicious.
“Both teams are clearly up for it,” Southee said. “It’s been a long three days, and sometimes the energy just boils over a little.
It’s what you want to see in a great series like this.”
He also reminded everyone that India had done their fair share of slowing things down too, referencing Shubman Gill getting a mid-day massage earlier in the match.
KL Rahul Backs the Frustration but Keeps Perspective
India’s KL Rahul, who had earlier scored a well-earned century, was more understanding, even if slightly annoyed.
He admitted he knew exactly what Crawley was doing—but still wished they had managed to squeeze in one more over.
“Look, I get it,” Rahul said. “As an opener, I’d probably do the same. But from our side, we were ready.
We had the ball, the light was good, and those two overs could’ve been tricky for England. A wicket there would’ve been ideal.”
Still, Rahul made it clear that India weren’t deflated. “We’ll come back fired up,” he added.
“Ten wickets, that’s all we need—and we’ll go for them hard.”
A One-Innings Shootout Awaits
As it stands, England will resume on Sunday morning with a slim lead and all ten wickets in hand.
With the pitch wearing down and both sides full of energy—and clearly, emotion—it’s shaping up to be a final two days of cricket you won’t want to miss.
One thing’s for sure: after the tension on day three, there’s no love lost between these teams—and that’s only going to make the battle ahead even more gripping.