A Test Match of Drama, Theater, and Tension: The Lord’s Encounter Between India and England Sparks Controversy

The final over on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test match between India and England provided a perfect summary of the entire series—filled with action, drama, theater, and controversy. Cricket commentators remarked with laughter, “This over had everything you could ask for.” The clip of that over was shared by England’s official social media account with the caption: “When you’re not allowed to bowl one more over, this is what frustration looks like.”

Tensions flared when England accused Indian captain Shubman Gill of time-wasting tactics, only to be called out for hypocrisy. The series, tied at 1-1, has already seen intense competition and controversy, with both teams equally determined to dominate.

On Day 3, England posted a total of 387 in their first innings, thanks to a century by Joe Root. India responded with the same score, bolstered by KL Rahul’s century. As the day neared its end, only six minutes of play remained—time enough for two overs, which India aimed to complete.

In Test cricket, it's common for the fielding side to push for as many overs as possible before the close of play, while batting teams often attempt to slow things down. When England began their second innings, Zak Crawley faced Jasprit Bumrah. The first ball was left alone, and Crawley scored two runs off the second. Just before the third ball, some movement behind the bowler caused Crawley to back off, leading to sarcastic reactions from Indian fielders.

Later in the over, Crawley appeared to injure his finger and called for the physio. Indian players mockingly applauded as the physio entered. Heated words were exchanged between Crawley and Shubman Gill, both pointing fingers in a way deemed unsportsmanlike by many commentators and fans.

England’s bowling coach Tim Southee, speaking to the media, criticized Gill’s complaints about time-wasting, reminding everyone that Gill himself had taken several minutes lying on the ground receiving treatment earlier during fielding.

KL Rahul, who scored a century in the first innings, defended the team’s approach, stating:
"We just wanted to bowl two more overs. Six minutes were left—it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that any team would want to squeeze in two overs. But things got a bit dramatic in the end."

He added:
"It’s tough to be in the field all day and then walk out to bat for two overs. Picking up one wicket would have been ideal for us."

As expected, the episode sparked fierce debates across social media. This Test series has already been marred by controversies, including frequent ball changes, which have drawn criticism. A staggering 32 overs have already been lost over the first three days due to slow over-rates.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad, who has taken over 600 wickets in Tests, criticized the frequent ball changes, particularly the poor quality of the Dukes ball:
"It’s becoming a joke. We’re talking about the ball in every innings because there’s always a problem with it. A ball should last 80 overs—not 10."

Many fans supported Broad’s call, suggesting a switch to the Kookaburra ball instead. The frequent ball replacements, combined with slow over-rates, have become a point of frustration for viewers and analysts alike.

Former England batter Jonathan Trott criticized Gill’s behavior, comparing it to aggressive styles of past Indian captains—without naming Virat Kohli directly.
"As captain, you set the tone. Finger-pointing and confrontation—it felt very much like something we’ve seen from a previous leader."

In contrast, India’s former coach Anil Kumble backed his team and expressed disappointment in England’s tactics.
"After two and a half Tests, the series is evenly poised. There’s nothing to separate the sides. And yet, it seemed like England didn’t even want to face one over."

He added:
"When Jofra Archer took India’s last wicket, he looked disappointed—as if he didn’t want to bowl again that day. It will be exciting to see what happens over the next two days."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan called the day one of the most dramatic he has witnessed in recent Test cricket.
"No team can complain too much—Gill was down with hamstring trouble yesterday, Rahul wasn’t sure he could start the innings. It was just brilliant drama."

As both teams head into the final stages of the Test, the series remains wide open. Beyond the scores and statistics, the passion, theatrics, and confrontations have added an unpredictable edge that fans around the world will remember for a long time.