Tensions soared during the Lord’s Test as Day 3’s dramatic finish directly fueled a fiery start to Day 4, highlighted by Mohammed Siraj’s intense wicket celebration.
Siraj’s Roaring Send-Off on Day 4
The fourth day of the third Test between India and England kicked off with an immediate display of the lingering friction from the previous evening. India’s pacer, Mohammed Siraj, was central to the drama, especially after dismissing England opener Ben Duckett early in the morning session.
In the sixth over of the innings, Siraj delivered a rapid back-of-a-length delivery. Duckett, attempting a pull shot, was cramped for room and spooned the ball straight to Jasprit Bumrah at mid-on.
What followed was an explosive celebration from Siraj. He roared directly into Duckett’s face, eyes bulging and veins popping, even making light shoulder contact. Duckett seemed to avoid eye contact, but Siraj left no doubt about his intensity. The umpires had to step in and have a word with the Indian bowler following the heated moment.
The Day 3 Drama That Set the Stage
The roots of this Day 4 intensity can be traced back to the chaotic final moments of Day 3. England had just six minutes left to bat, and India was eager to squeeze in two overs before stumps. However, opener Zak Crawley had other plans, employing tactics to waste as much time as legally possible.
Crawley frequently delayed play, digging at the pitch or asking spectators behind the bowler to move, twice pulling out before the ball was delivered. These delays irked the Indian fielders, leading to several verbal exchanges.
Shubman Gill approached Crawley from the slips to share some words, with Ben Duckett quickly intervening. Another exchange occurred before the fifth ball when Crawley again tapped his bat on the pitch, prompting more chatter from the slip cordon.
The tension escalated when Crawley was hit on the fingers by a nip-backer. He immediately clutched his hand in pain and called for the physio. Indian players swarmed around the batsmen, sarcastically clapping and adding to the pressure.
Gill then ran towards Crawley, pointing his finger and engaging in another heated verbal spat. Crawley reciprocated the gesture and the words. Duckett rushed in to separate them, standing close to Gill for a brief, intense discussion before Rahul arrived, and the players finally separated.
Post-Stumps Confrontation
Even as Crawley walked back towards the pavilion after the final ball, Siraj and he continued to exchange words. Duckett also engaged with the Indian players as they left the field, though a few smiles eventually broke out amidst the lingering tension.
The incidents from the close of Day 3 clearly carried over, setting a highly charged atmosphere for the start of Day 4 and fueling Siraj’s passionate reaction to Duckett’s dismissal.
- Mohammed Siraj’s fiery celebration after dismissing Ben Duckett marked a contentious start to Day 4.
- Siraj’s actions, including roaring and shoulder contact, led to an umpire’s warning.
- The Day 4 tension stemmed directly from Zak Crawley’s time-wasting tactics at the close of Day 3.
- Verbal confrontations occurred between Crawley, Duckett, Shubman Gill, and other Indian players on Day 3.
This high-stakes drama continues to define the thrilling Test match, promising more intense action as the game progresses.
