Ben Stokes warns Shubman Gill moments after displaying class to console Jadeja: 'When you see all 11 guys come at...'

By Admin

16 Jul, 2025

The third Test match between India and England was nothing short of a spectacle   a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats till the final day. The hosts, India, emerged victorious in this nail-biting clash, but the match wasn’t just about runs and wickets. It was equally dominated by intense emotions, verbal exchanges, and moments of both confrontation and compassion. One such drama unfolded between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley, and later prompted England skipper Ben Stokes to issue a sharp statement.

Heated Altercation: Gill vs Crawley

The drama sparked on Day 3, during India’s first over of England’s second innings. Zak Crawley, opening for England, seemingly aimed to delay the proceedings in the dimming light, trying to prevent India from squeezing in an extra over. After taking a double off the second ball bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, Crawley repeatedly pulled out of his stance, complaining about the sight screen   a move that irked the Indian fielders.

From second slip, an irate Shubman Gill shouted, “Grow some f**** bas,” a remark that was caught loud and clear on the stump mic. Bumrah himself appeared visibly annoyed. The tension escalated further when Crawley got hit on the glove and instantly called for the physio. The Indian players responded with slow claps and sarcastic expressions, reflecting their frustration.

Gill didn’t hold back   he walked straight up to Crawley, mocked him, and gestured toward the pavilion, provoking a fiery response from the English batter. The confrontation intensified until Ben Duckett had to step in and diffuse the situation.

Ben Stokes Responds After Victory

After England’s loss, Ben Stokes finally addressed the incident, shedding light on his team's mindset during the heated moment. He said:

“When you're watching your two opening batters go out there for an over, and you're seeing 11 guys all come at [them], that's going to bring out another side.”

The statement appeared to be a subtle warning to Shubman Gill and Team India, signaling that England wouldn’t back down from aggression either. It emphasized how confrontations like these can fuel the competitive fire within players, possibly altering the energy of the game.

A Touch of Class from Stokes

Despite the on-field tension, Ben Stokes also displayed a moment of true sportsmanship. After Mohammed Siraj’s wicket sealed the match for India, Stokes went up to the pacer and consoled him warmly. He didn’t stop there   he also hugged Ravindra Jadeja, who had scored a crucial half-century earlier in the match, showing that respect transcends rivalry.

England's Strategic Shift

Adding another layer to the drama, Jofra Archer revealed post-match that the English side had deliberately shifted their approach on Day 4:

“We all came together as a group yesterday, and said, ‘we're a bit too nice’… When we go to other places, some teams aren't as nice to us as we are to them. I guess we just tried to shift it.”

This statement signals a new aggressive attitude in England’s cricketing strategy, especially while playing abroad   a mindset designed to match the intensity often displayed by their opponents.

Final Thoughts

The India vs England third Test was more than just a cricket match   it was a fiery battle of mind games, emotions, and mutual respect. While tempers flared, moments of grace still found their place. With Ben Stokes warning that such collective aggression from the opposition can awaken “another side” in his team, the rest of the series promises even more intensity, rivalry, and unforgettable moments. Fans, buckle up   the drama is far from over.