Tensions continued to boil over in England’s third Test against India as Mohammed Siraj sent Ben Duckett packing early on Sunday.
Following a slow first three days at Lord’s, the Test match sparked into life late on Saturday afternoon.
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Some supposed time wasting from England opener Zak Crawley irked the Indian team as they tried to get through as many balls as possible before the close of play.
Crawley repeatedly backed off as Jasprit Bumrah looked to bowl with Shubman Gill telling the batsman to ‘show some f****** balls’ as the atmosphere heated up.
The fiery action continued on Sunday morning when play resumed.
Siraj drew the wicket of Duckett in the sixth over of England’s second innings and made a point of enjoying it.
The Indian bowler screamed ‘come on’ right in Duckett’s face before bumping his shoulder into the England man too.
Duckett didn’t respond beyond a wry smile but Siraj continued his fierce reaction, staring down his rival and roaring him off as he departed.
Siraj’s reaction was likely a release of frustration after Crawley infuriated India with his time-wasting tactics.
“Obviously we wanted to bowl two overs,” India batter KL Rahul said.
“There were six minutes left. Obviously, two overs is a no-brainer that any team will bowl two overs with six minutes to go.
“We were all pumped up either way because we know how difficult it is for a batter to come in to bat for two overs when you have been in the field all day.
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“We were hoping we could get a wicket there, and a wicket at the end of the day’s play would have been perfect for us.”
England bowling coach Tim Southee said India have no right to complain about time-wasting following similar tactics of their own earlier in the match.
“It is always exciting to see both sides animated towards the end,” said Southee, who is England’s fast-bowling consultant.
“Not sure what they were complaining about when Shubman was lying down getting a massage in the middle of the day yesterday.
“It’s obviously part of the game. It is an exciting way to finish.”
On the pitch, England are looking to build a lead in their second innings after both teams were bowled out for 387 at Lord’s.
