Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley accused of 'theatrics' against India after England come through attritional day three at Lord's
Published 12/07/2025 at 20:14 GMT+1
England closed out day three of the third Test against India with the match in the balance, after both sides made 387 in their first innings. While KL Rahul notched his 10th Test century for India, the visitors were all out for 387 with the scores level, after a flurry of wickets from Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse. The day ended with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley stalling for time.
England and India
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Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were embroiled in late batting "theatrics" as England and India ended day three of the Lord's Test with the game hanging in the balance.
England closed out day three of the third Test against India at 2-0 in their second innings, after both sides scored 387 in their first dig.
But a slow, and at times tedious, day sparked into life at the end as England’s Duckett and Crawley went out to bat with time ticking down. The pair comically stalled to ensure they saw out the day by facing just one over.
Indeed, Crawley stepped away on several occasions while Jasprit Bumrah was at his mark, and then took a prolonged moment to check his hand, upon being hit on the glove from the fifth ball.
Such behaviour particularly angered India captain Shubman Gill, who sarcastically applauded the 27-year-old.
"I understand from an opening batter's point of view," India's KL Rahul, told BBC Sport. "It's something that happens a lot, quite a lot of theatrics at the end."
Commenting on his century, Rahul said: "I sometimes sit and think about if things have changed, but the only answer I've come to is that I'm just getting runs now. My mindset has always been the same, I've always been hungry to score runs, hungry to perform."
England bowling coach Tim Southee said: "Pretty even. You toil away for three days and you sit here with a two-run lead. Looking forward to a two-day shoot-out."
On the drama at the end, Southee added: "It’s part of the game, an exciting way to finish the day. It’s been a great series, both sides played good cricket."
When asked about Crawley's finger, he added, with a smile: "He will be assessed overnight. Hopefully he will be good to go tomorrow."
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After resuming on 145-3, a stubborn India were dismissed for 387 with the scores level, after a flurry of wickets from England’s Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse after tea.
Indeed, Rahul recorded a 177-ball century while Ravindra Jadeja notched 72 in what was a frustrating morning for England. But just before lunch, skipper Ben Stokes (2-63) ran out Rishabh Pant (74), before Woakes (3-84) and Carse (1-88) gave the hosts hope.
Shoaib Bashir (1-59) then claimed Rahul, before India slipped from 376-7 to 387 all out in just six overs.
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