Zak Crawley hits back at Shubman Gill's allegations, says he enjoyed the on-field spat: 'Good chance to put it back on t

England opener Zak Crawley and India Shubman Gill were involved in a heated spat during the third Test match at Lord’s. The English opener has now opened up on his version from the day. read more

Zak Crawley has denied claims that he was late in taking strike on Day 3 of Lord's Test vs India. Image: Reuters

England opener Zak Crawley has hit back at Indian captain Shubman Gill over allegations that in taking strike on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test, leading to an on-field spat between the players of opposing teams. Crawley clarified that he followed the process on his part and wasn’t aware that he was late by 90 seconds.

Gill and Crawley were involved in a heated debate as India tried to cramp as many overs as possible in a seven-minute window towards the end of Day 3 in the third Test at Lord’s, which the visitors eventually lost by 22 runs.

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India’s strategy was to make the England openers face at least two overs with the new ball under decreasing light and hope for a wicket, but the batters took their own sweet time as only one over was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.

Crawley denies coming late to bat

Crawley, who was also hit on the gloves by a Bumrah delivery during that over and called for a physio, had also pulled out of a delivery earlier in the over. All this was seen as a time-wasting strategy by the Indian camp as Gill got involved in a verbal altercation with Crawley.

The Indian captain clarified his aggressive behaviour before the start of the Manchester Test, adding that while he is not proud of what happened, the on-field spat was a result of unnecessary delaying tactics by the England openers.

Crawley has refuted Gill’s claims that he deliberately walked out late to bat, saying he just followed the umpires. “No, it wasn’t intentional. I sit in my spot until the umpires go out. I walked out when I saw them go. I wasn’t aware we were 90 seconds late, but fair enough,” Crawley said.

Crawley enjoyed spat with Gill

The 27-year-old Crawley, who smashed 82 on Day 2 of the fourth Test in Manchester, helping England finish the day on 225/2, added that he enjoyed the verbal argument with Gill.

“I’ve always enjoyed that part of cricket, to be honest, especially when you’re batting. There’s two of you against eleven and they’re desperate to get you out, and they’re chirping you,” he said.

“Most of the time, I’d probably let it slide, and then other times, I feel like it’s a good chance to put it back on them. I loved that little eight-minute passage. No-one stepped over the line. I thought everyone was in good spirits. It was just competitive cricket, and I really enjoyed it,” he added.

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Crawley also raised Rishabh Pant for having the courage to come out to bat with a fractured toe on Day 2 of the fourth Test. “Not many people in the world would be able to come out and bat like he did on one foot,” he added.

England are 133 runs behind after two days of play in the fourth Test at Manchester after England were bowled out for 358. They also lead the five-match series 2-1.

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