Former England cricketer Jonathan Trott has openly criticized Indian captain Shubman Gill’s animated behavior during a tense last over against England, labeling it as “acting.”
Tension Mounts in Final Moments
The match was finely balanced, with India having matched England’s first-innings total. As the clock ticked down, England faced only about six minutes of play, hinting at two potential overs for India to bowl.
However, England’s Zak Crawley seemed determined to run down the clock. He engaged in common time-wasting tactics, repeatedly pulling out of his stance and even calling for attention from spectators.
A Heated Exchange on the Field
As Crawley continued to delay, Shubman Gill, usually reserved, approached him from the slips. A brief verbal exchange ensued, with England’s Ben Duckett stepping in to diffuse the situation.
The tension escalated when Crawley was hit on the fingers by a nipbacker from the fifth ball, immediately wringing his hand in pain and calling for a physio. Indian fielders, including Gill, swarmed around the batsmen, some sarcastically clapping.
Gill then ran directly to Crawley, pointing his finger and exchanging more heated words. Duckett intervened again, standing very close to Gill as both captains exchanged words. The commotion eventually settled, but as Crawley walked off after the final ball, more words were exchanged between Duckett, Siraj, and other Indian players.
Jonathan Trott Calls Out Gill’s “Acting”
Commenting on the incident, former England batsman and Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott did not mince words. He suggested that Gill’s actions were unbefitting of a captain.
“I don’t like the acting from Shubman Gill, as a captain you set the tone,” Trott stated during a studio discussion. He added that Gill’s confrontational style, “pointing fingers and getting very confrontational,” reminded him of a “previous captain.”
Trott emphasized the importance of competitiveness but also the need to “rise above it” in such moments, setting up an intriguing day of play ahead.
Anil Kumble’s Measured Reaction
Former Indian captain Anil Kumble, known for his calm demeanor, offered a more measured response. Kumble, who navigated a significant crisis during the “Monkey-gate” episode, noted Gill’s unusual behavior.
“I haven’t seen Shubman so animated and going at the opposition,” Kumble remarked, acknowledging that Gill had also exchanged words during the first innings. This suggests a new, more aggressive side to the young Indian captain.
- Shubman Gill engaged in a verbal spat with Zak Crawley during a tense final over.
- Jonathan Trott criticized Gill’s actions, calling it “acting” and comparing him to a past Indian captain.
- Anil Kumble observed that Gill’s animation was uncharacteristic for the young captain.
The fiery exchange has certainly set the stage for an intense continuation of the match, adding another layer of drama to an already gripping series.
