Tempers flared on Day 3 of the India vs England Test when Shubman Gill’s uncharacteristic aggression towards Zack Crawley drew comparisons to Virat Kohli from former England all-rounder Moeen Ali.
Gill’s Fiery Moment
During a tense moment on Day 3, Zack Crawley appeared to be running down the clock, a tactic that visibly angered India’s Shubman Gill. Known for his calm demeanor, Gill engaged in a heated exchange with Crawley, surprising many onlookers.
This display of raw emotion from Gill immediately sparked conversations among cricket analysts and fans alike, drawing parallels to the often-intense former Indian captain, Virat Kohli.
Moeen Ali Weighs In
Speaking on FanCode, Moeen Ali shared his thoughts on the incident. Ali found Gill’s competitive spirit to be “fine,” stating it was “very similar to Virat Kohli.” He emphasized that such displays of passion are a natural part of the game.
Ali also suggested that these fiery moments bring out “the best of England,” showcasing their fighting side. He added that the intensity is “great for the series” and questioned why Gill would face criticism for his actions.
Tensions Escalate on Day 4
The animosity didn’t subside after the Day 3 encounter. On Day 4, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj delivered a fierce send-off to England’s Ben Duckett after dismissing him. Siraj’s intense reaction, featuring bulging eyes and popping veins, even led to a brief talking-to from the umpires.
There was even light shoulder contact between the two players, highlighting the growing on-field tension and competitive spirit between the two sides.
Day 5’s Dramatic Start
The fifth day of the Test match continued the trend of sharp exchanges. England’s Jofra Archer embraced the role of the “pantomime villain,” delivering strong send-offs to India’s Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar after taking their wickets in a devastating early spell.
Archer’s theatrics weren’t limited to his bowling. Even after being taken off the attack, he continued to engage verbally with Indian batters, notably Nitish Kumar Reddy. Harry Brook from the slips was also reportedly heard reminding Reddy that he was no longer playing in the IPL, adding to the mind games.
Clashes Continue
The day’s most significant flare-up involved England’s Brydon Carse and India’s Ravindra Jadeja. The two players collided while running between wickets, about four overs before Lunch. Captain Ben Stokes had to intervene to separate the pair amidst the heated moment.
While both players seemed to indicate the collision was unintentional, the incident underscored the high stakes and intense emotions running through the Test match.
- Shubman Gill displayed uncharacteristic aggression towards Zack Crawley, drawing comparisons to Virat Kohli.
- Moeen Ali viewed Gill’s actions as competitive and beneficial for the series’ intensity.
- The Test match saw multiple heated exchanges involving players like Mohammed Siraj, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Ravindra Jadeja.
- On-field verbal spats and physical altercations highlighted the fierce rivalry between India and England.
These fiery exchanges added a dramatic layer to the Test series, underscoring the intense rivalry and high stakes between these cricketing nations. Such moments, while sometimes controversial, often fuel the passionate discourse surrounding the sport.
