"When Gill Was Lying": Southee Slams India's 'Hypocrisy' On Delayed Play

Soumyajit Dutta

Tim Southee's take on delayed play controversy [Source: @etheraston/X.com]Tim Southee's take on delayed play controversy [Source: @etheraston/X.com]

Tensions erupted late on Day 3 at Lord's as India and England clashed amid fading light. Indian captain Shubman Gill was visibly furious when England opener Zak Crawley twice aborted his stance just as Jasprit Bumrah prepared to bowl, with cameras catching Gill directing expletives towards the batter. 

When Crawley subsequently called for the physio after jarring his finger, the entire Indian team converged, offering sarcastic applause. England's deliberate pace further frustrated India, successfully whittling down the available overs and Tim Southee had a scathing take on the treatment.

Tim Southee Calls Out India's Double Standards

New Zealand's Tim Southee, present as a specialist coach, called out perceived hypocrisy, referencing Gill's own lengthy on-field treatment the previous day. 

"It's always exciting to see both sides animated towards the end. I'm not sure what they were complaining about when Shubman Gill was lying down and getting a massage in the middle of the day yesterday. It's obviously part of the game when you're near the end of the day. It's an exciting way to finish the day," Southee remarked during the press conference after the day's play.

Southee dryly suggested Crawley would be "assessed overnight" before emphasizing the series' overall good spirit.

"Both sides have played some good cricket and in a good spirit, and tonight was just a bit of energy towards the end of the day. It's been a long three days, and it was good to see the energy still there from both sides," Southee added.

KL Rahul Takes A Different Stance

India's KL Rahul, viewing the incident as an opener, understood Crawley's actions and was much more sympathetic towards the situation than his other teammates. 

"What happened at the end is just part of the game now. I understand from an opening batter's point of view. I know exactly what was going on, and everyone knows exactly what was going on. But an opening batter will understand completely what happened in the last five minutes," Rahul added.

Nevertheless, the first 3 days of play stood null and void as India successfully climbed to 387 before getting tumbled by England and hence, the English batters came to bat the last over at the end of Day 3 before stumps. Now, Ben Stokes and Co. would like to build on a good target and declare at the end of Day 4 for India to chase if they don't want a stalemate.