July 13, 2025: Star Indian batter KL Rahul spoke candidly about the tense moments during the closing stages of Day 3 in the third Test between India and England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Rahul acknowledged that while it is tough for an opener to come out and bat after fielding all day, the Indian team understood England’s delaying tactics in the final overs before stumps.
India’s late dismissal on Day 3 left six minutes on the clock, allowing the English batters to start their second innings and face two overs from the Indian bowling attack. This sparked a fiery exchange on the field, including a notable moment when England’s Harry Crawley pulled away from a delivery and gestured toward the sight screen, provoking a strong reaction from the Indian players.
“I have seen him (Shubman Gill) fired up, but we wanted to bowl two overs. There were six minutes left. Two overs is a no-brainer that any team will bowl with six minutes to go,” Rahul said at the post-match press conference.
He added, “It’s a bit of theatrics at the end. We were all pumped up either way because we know how difficult it is for a batter to come in and bat for two overs after being in the field all day.”
Rahul expressed that the Indian side was hoping to secure a wicket in those final overs, which would have been a perfect way to end the day. “What happened at the end is just part of the game now,” he said. “I understand from an opener’s point of view. I know exactly what was going on, and everyone knows exactly what was going on. But an opener will understand completely what happened in the last five minutes.”
On the cricketing front, Rahul continued his fine form with a crucial century — his second at Lord’s — helping India to match England’s first innings total of 387 on an attritional third day of the Test. The match remains finely poised on a deteriorating pitch, setting up a gripping contest for the final days.