"I love to see a bit of passion out there, "- David Gower on heated exchange between Stokes & Blackwood

Former England captain and veteran commentator, David Gower, is earning a lot of plaudits for his frank and honest assessment of the heated exchange which took place between Ben Stokes and Jermaine Blackwood during the second Test in Barbados.

Blackwood, who scored a brilliant hundred in West Indies' first innings, seemed to be charging towards the Durham all-rounder, in response to the latter's statement: "Let’s get you in England boy, let’s get that average down to 26.”

Normally, a pundit or a commentator would criticize such an event but Gower didn't. The former cricketer instead explained how loved to see a bit of passion out there besides adding that such incidents help to shrug off the perception that cricket is a friendly game.

Speaking on BT Sport, Gower said:

"They’ve got a lot of mutual respect I’m sure, but when things boil over, let’s face it,” 

He added:

“It’s a hot day, there’s a lot of overs without a wicket, there are a lot of flashpoints out there. And to me actually, my view is this: It shouldn’t go over a certain limit and of course, the umpires are there to control it, but I love to see a bit of passion out there, batter or bowler. 

"I love to see these personal contests because it just reminds people that cricket is not just the sedate game played on village greens and next to the church where people say ‘well batted’ and ‘well bowled’ all the time and break off for a nice cup of tea and a scone. There has to be passion. There has to be competition.” he added.

Blackwood was eventually dismissed by part-timer Dan Lawrence at the score of 102 but Kraigg Brathwaite (160 off 489 deliveries) carried on to take the home side to 411.

In response, England batted with intent in their third innings to set up an improbable target of 282. West Indies lost a couple of early wickets in their 2nd innings, and later with a steady knock from skipper Kraig Braithwaite (56* off 184 deliveries), the home side eventually ended up in a draw.