India ‘had no right to complain about time-wasting’

India had no right to complain about England’s tactics in a dramatic finale to the third day of the third Test at Lord’s after their own time-wasting earlier in the match, says bowling coach Tim Southee.

Opener Zak Crawley repeatedly delayed bowler Jasprit Bumrah and called for a physio after being hit on the finger as he successfully ensured he and Ben Duckett only had to face one over before the close, instead of two.

India’s players reacted angrily to the delays, with captain Shubman Gill gesticulating to Crawley shouting an expletive in his direction.

“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.”

“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.

“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 ended the over 2-0, meaning they lead by two runs at the end of the third day.

“It’s as good a piece of time-wasting I’ve ever seen,” former England captain Michael Vaughan told the Test Match Special podcast.

“India can’t complain because yesterday Gill was down with the hamstring strain – Rahul was off the field and wouldn’t have been able to open the batting.

“Neither team can complain, but what great drama and what a great day. We’re in for a fourth and fifth day that will be fantastic.”

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook said the series, much anticipated beforehand and tied at 1-1 after the first two Tests, “needed” the late drama.

“Everyone has been so friendly, but this always happens in a series of five matches,” he said.

“There’s little moments after playing against each other so many times.