Shubman Gill-Zak Crawley’s last-over drama: Vaughan says no team should complain-OxBig News Network

Following a fiery end to Day 3 of the third Test at Lord’s, Michael Vaughan has weighed in on the drama surrounding England’s time-wasting tactics on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test. He suggested that neither team has the right to complain, given both sides have used similar methods in the match.

Tensions escalated in the final stretch as England came out to bat just before stumps. With only time for one or two overs to be bowled, the hosts appeared to deliberately slow down proceedings to ensure minimal play before close. Their tactics like adjusting the sight-screens, stopping Jasprit Bumrah midway and even getting medical treatment after being hit on the gloves, meant only one over was bowled before the umpires called stumps.

England vs India 3rd Test Day 3: Highlights

The move didn’t sit well with Indian opener Shubman Gill, who was seen exchanging heated words with Zak Crawley as frustrations boiled over. The flashpoint sparked widespread reactions from fans and pundits alike.

However, Vaughan, speaking on BBC’s Test Match Special, called the tactic a clever use of the clock — and not something India could protest about.

“It’s as good a piece of time-wasting I’ve ever seen,” Vaughan said.

“India can’t complain because yesterday Gill was down with the hamstring strain, KL Rahul was off the field and wouldn’t have been able to open the batting,” he added.

The former England captain argued that both teams had manipulated the game clock at various points during the match and thus, there was no room for moral high ground from either camp.

“Neither team can complain, but what great drama and what a great day,” he added.

“We’re in for a fourth and fifth day that will be fantastic.”

The Test has remained delicately poised, with momentum shifting frequently across the first three days. England will resume their second innings under pressure to set a competitive target, while India’s bowling attack, bolstered by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, will look to tighten the screws early on Day 4.

With tensions running high and both teams eyeing a series lead, the final two days at Lord’s are set for an explosive finish — and possibly more gamesmanship.

– Ends