Shubman Gill Slams England's Time-Wasting Tactics at Lord's, Sparks Fresh Tension Ahead of Manchester Test

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Manchester, July 22: India captain Shubman Gill has publicly questioned England's time-wasting tactics during the final session of Day 3 at the Lord's Test, reigniting a simmering tension in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

As India and England gear up for the crucial fourth Test in Manchester, Gill used his pre-match press interaction to "clear the air" over what he described as gamesmanship that prevented Jasprit Bumrah from bowling a full spell late in the day.

"Yes, a lot of people have been talking about it. So, let me just clear the air for once and for all," Gill began. "The English batsmen on that day were 90 seconds late to the crease - not 10, not 20 - 90 seconds. That's not in the spirit of the game."

The Indian skipper clarified that his frustration - which cameras caught on the field - wasn't aimed at opener Zak Crawley for calling medical attention after being hit, but at the deliberate delay that curtailed India's overs late in the day.

Gill didn't mince words about the mounting tension throughout the match, suggesting England's behaviour had a broader context. "There was a lead-up and build-up to that moment. It didn't come out of nowhere," he said. "We play to win, and emotions are involved. But when things happen that shouldn't, sometimes those emotions do boil over."

That heated moment seems to have set the tone for England's verbal aggression on Day 5, with head coach Brendon McCullum encouraging his players to get under the skin of Indian batter Washington Sundar, who had confidently spoken about chasing down the target.

England batter Harry Brook later revealed that the hosts had collectively decided to create an "11-v-2" pressure scenario, acting on McCullum's message that the team had been "too nice." Captain Ben Stokes, while backing the approach, clarified that sledging wasn't part of a master plan.

"We're not going to purposely go out and start something," Stokes said. "But if it does get confrontational, we're not taking a backward step. That's part of playing high-level cricket."

The series has now taken on a spikier edge. As both sides head into the fourth Test with the series on the line, the emotional residue from Lord's promises an intense showdown in Manchester. For Gill, who has led with composure throughout, the focus remains on spirit and fairness, even in a rivalry growing in fire and noise.