What started as another intense day of cricket ended with fiery words, subtle tactics, and an all-too-familiar edge between two proud teams.
With the third Test between England and India perfectly balanced heading into day four, things got heated—on the pitch and on the mic.
England’s Late Surge Levels the Playing Field
India looked comfortable for most of the day in their first innings, but England flipped the script in the final hour.
A sudden collapse saw India lose their last four wickets for just 11 runs, finishing on 387—exactly level with England.
That dramatic collapse didn’t just reset the scoreboard.
It reignited the competitive fire between the sides and turned the match into a one-innings showdown with everything to play for.
Zak Crawley’s Delay Tactics Spark Indian Frustration
England only had a few minutes left to face before stumps, but opener Zak Crawley made sure they didn’t face too much heat.
By calling for the physio and dragging his feet at the crease, he ensured just one over was bowled.
India were furious. Captain Shubman Gill didn’t hold back—his comments were caught loud and clear on the stump mic, shouting at Crawley to “Grow some f***ing balls.” The tension was real.
Still, Crawley managed to see out the one over from Jasprit Bumrah and will return on day four unscathed—with England holding a slender lead of two runs and all ten wickets in hand.
Southee Shrugs Off the Drama
England’s coaching consultant Tim Southee wasn’t fazed by the end-of-day antics.
He remained diplomatic, even playful in his assessment.
“It’s always exciting when both sides show that kind of energy,” he said.
“I’m not really sure what the fuss is about—Shubman was having a massage on the field in the middle of day two. These things happen.”
Southee emphasized that the series has been played in mostly good spirit and saw the drama as just part of the intensity that builds after three full days of competition.
KL Rahul Gets It, But Still Wanted More
From the Indian camp, KL Rahul took a more understanding tone—while also making it clear India had hoped for a bigger payoff at day’s end.
“As an opening batter, I get it,” Rahul said about Crawley’s time-wasting.
“But we were really keen to get two overs in before stumps. That could have been game-changing.”
He added, “We were all fired up. A wicket then would’ve been perfect.
But even without it, we’ll come out strong tomorrow and aim to take those ten wickets quickly.”
A One-Innings Shootout Awaits
With both teams level on runs and England about to start their second innings, this Test has effectively become a one-innings battle.
Every run, every wicket, every decision will count.
The drama from the end of day three has only added fuel to the fire.
Both sides are animated, alert, and hungry—and Sunday is shaping up to be a cracker.
Stay tuned. This one’s not done yet.