The Lord’s Test between India and England was filled with tension and fiery exchanges. Day 3 saw frustration boil over when England delayed play by slowly walking onto the field. This irritated the Indian camp and led to a heated exchange between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley. England skipper Ben Stokes got involved the next day, returning the aggression during India’s innings.
Despite several moments of confrontation throughout the match, it was Mohammed Siraj who faced disciplinary action from the ICC. He was fined for his “provocative” celebration after dismissing Ben Duckett in England’s second innings. According to the ICC, Siraj’s behaviour could have triggered “an aggressive reaction from a batter.” During the dismissal, Siraj and Duckett also brushed shoulders, which didn’t sit well with English fans.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, however, criticised the decision to fine Siraj and instead praised his intensity.
“One of the highlights of the Test match, the way India went at Crawley. They (England openers) started 90 seconds later than they should have! They were very street-smart in the way they slowly walked down the stairs, pretending to get lost in the long room. India rightly went at them, and that obviously fired everyone up.”
“Then, Siraj was fired up. I think he’s a better cricketer when he’s fired up. You’d love to have Siraj on the side. I didn’tthink he should’ve been fined… I think it’s a game of emotions, and you don’t need 22 robots. I love the tension,” Hussain told Sky Sports Cricket.
India, currently trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, must win the fourth Test in Manchester to stay alive. Both Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to play crucial roles in the must-win clash starting July 23.
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