Tag: England

India captain Shubman Gill has thrown his support behind head coach Gautam Gambhir following a heated exchange with the Oval pitch head groundsman ahead of the fourth Test against England.

A day earlier, India’s head coach Gambhir was involved in a verbal spat with the pitch curator Lee Fortis. The curator raised concerns about the heavy footmarks and the training equipment on the main pitch.

In doing so, he suggested that the Indian team should view the pitch from 2.5 meters away from the strip. As a result, Gautam Gambhir was seen pointing his finger at Fortis.

“You don’t tell us what we need to do. You don’t tell us what we need to do, okay. You don’t need to tell us. You don’t tell any of my squad what we need to do.

You have no right to tell us. You’re just a groundsman; you stay in your capacity. You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond. You are just a groundsman,” Gautam Gambhir had said to Lee Fortis.

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Now, Shubman Gill has commented on the incident, who was not present at the venue during the incident

“What happened yesterday, I thought was just absolutely unnecessary,” Gill said in the pre-match press conference.

He backed Gautam Gambhir, noting that the coach has every right to look at the pitch.

“It’s not the first time that we were having a look at the wicket, we have been there for almost two months.

A coach has every right to be able to go close quarters and have a look at the wicket and I didn’t think there was anything wrong with that. I actually don’t know why the curator would not allow us to go have a look at the wicket,” he added.

Shubman Gill said they had never received any instructions during a pitch inspection under certain circumstances.

“As long as I remember, we had never got any instructions. As long as you are wearing rubber spikes or [are] barefoot you can see the wicket from near,” he said.

“We have played four matches already in this series, and nobody stopped us from watching the pitch. All of us have played so much cricket, we have gone to the pitches so many times, including the coaches and captain, I don’t know what the fuss was about,” Shubman Gill concluded.

For the unversed, India is trailing 2-1 in the five-match series against England, despite producing a memorable performance in the fourth Test in Manchester, which secured a draw.

The visitors will be eyeing a win in the final Test at the Oval, which is set to begin tomorrow, to level the series.

READ: Shahid Afridi trolls India Champions ahead of WCL 2025 semi-final

India head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a heated exchange with the Oval pitch curator ahead of the fifth Test against England.

The two sides are set to face off in the fifth and final Test at the venue on July 31, with England leading the series 2-1.

England won the opening Test by five wickets in Leeds; however, India fought back with an impressive win in the second game in Birmingham.

 

The third Test between both sides became a cliffhanger, with England winning the match at Lord’s only by 22 runs on the final day of the game.

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The Indian team arrived in London from Manchester after producing a memorable performance in the fourth Test and had an optional training session.

However, things heated up after the Indian team arrived at the venue as Gautam Gambhir was seen in an animated chat with Surrey head groundsman Lee Fortis.

The dispute happened reportedly due to a disagreement over the use of the square housing the main pitch.

The incident took place when Gautam Gambhir intervened during a discussion between India’s assistant coach, Sitanshu Kotak, and the groundsmen.

Subsequently, Fortis warned Gautam Gambhir about reporting him to the International Cricket Council (ICC) if he continued to ‘swear’ at them.

“You don’t tell us what we need to do. You don’t tell us what we need to do, okay. You don’t need to tell us. You don’t tell any of my squad what we need to do.

You have no right to tell us. You’re just a groundsman; you stay in your capacity. You are just a groundsman, nothing beyond. You are just a groundsman,” Gautam Gambhir replied to Lee Fortis.

After the incident, Lee Fortis denied any heated exchange with India’s head coach.

“I’ve never met him before; he must’ve played here. You saw what he was like this morning. I don’t know, you’ll have to ask him. There’s no side to the story,” Lee Fortis said.

READ: Nathan Lyon breaks silence on omission from West Indies Test

Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the drawn fourth Test between India and England, calling out all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for chasing personal milestones once the match result was beyond doubt.

With the Test meandering towards a draw, England skipper Ben Stokes offered Jadeja a handshake to end proceedings early.

India, however, declined the gesture, allowing both Jadeja and Sundar to bring up their centuries before the match was eventually called off, a move that didn’t sit well with everyone.

The incident sparked a debate online, with South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi defending India’s choice. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shamsi wrote:

“Why is there such a big deal being made about the Indians choosing not to accept the offer to end the game in a draw immediately? The offer was made, the offer was rejected, and they were fully entitled to make their choice. They got their 100s which they worked hard for. Game over.”

But Dale Steyn saw it differently. Responding to Shamsi, he suggested the Indians put personal glory ahead of the spirit of the game.

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“Shamo, this onion has many layers to it, and each one will make someone cry. The only issue I see here is the one thing people aren’t realizing — the batters weren’t playing for 100s, they were batting for a DRAW. That was the goal,” he wrote.

Steyn further added that once the draw was secured, the right thing would’ve been to shake hands.

“It’s not then the time to realize they’re safe and say, ‘No, we’d prefer some free milestones.’ Although within the rules, it just seems a little… well, odd,” he added.

While conceding that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar batted well, Steyn believed they should’ve accelerated earlier if centuries were on their minds.

“At least then, we could all agree no team tried to outdo the other in this weird situation,” he concluded.

READ: England to play Australia Prime Minister’s XI in pink-ball match

An England XI will take on the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day pink-ball match at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on November 29 and 30, slotted between the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth and the day-night clash at the Gabba.

The match, traditionally a one-day fixture, was upgraded to a multi-day format in 2022-23 and will now serve as a key preparatory outing for England’s red-ball specialists.

This year’s fixture gives the touring side a valuable opportunity to get accustomed to the pink ball under match conditions before the second Test in Brisbane.

While the match doesn’t overlap with the Sheffield Shield, it remains the only fixture England will play outside the five-Test Ashes series once it begins.

Earlier, they’ll have a three-day internal game against England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth, although it’s expected to be more of a centre-wicket practice session than a competitive fixture.

Last season’s PM’s XI match against India was reduced to a one-dayer due to rain, but it still proved significant.

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Young batter Sam Konstas made headlines with a century that propelled him into national reckoning, later earning a call-up for the Boxing Day Test.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the historical value of the fixture.

“An Ashes series is something every cricket fan looks forward to,” he said. “Like many Australians, I grew up admiring, and begrudging, the brilliance of players like Ian Botham, David Gower, and Graham Gooch.”

He added that he’s looking forward to finalising a competitive PM’s XI squad to challenge a strong English side.

“I look forward to meeting with the selectors to finalise a PM’s XI squad that showcases the best available talent from across Australia to take on the strong English team,” he added.

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Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad believes Jofra Archer should be rested for the fifth and final Test against India, starting July 31 at The Oval, and has backed Gus Atkinson to take his place.

Archer made a highly anticipated return to Test cricket earlier this series after a four-year absence caused by recurring elbow and back injuries.

The speedster marked his comeback in style during the third Test at Lord’s, taking match figures of 5-105 and playing a key role in England’s dramatic win.

His spell included early damage with the new ball and crucial wickets in the second innings, notably Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Washington Sundar.

Determined to help England clinch the series, Jofra Archer pushed through for the fourth Test in Manchester, claiming four wickets for 151 runs.

However, he looked visibly uncomfortable, especially during India’s mammoth second innings where they batted out a draw at 425/4.

With Archer clearly struggling physically, Stuart Broad has urged the team management to avoid risking a long-term injury.

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“We can’t not have Jofra Archer for four years, bring him back and then bowl him into the ground and not see him for another four years,” Broad said.

Broad has called for Gus Atkinson to be given a shot, noting that the young quick hasn’t yet been tested against a top-quality Test opponent.

“I think Gus Atkinson has to play. I know he has not had any workload, but we need to see him. He hasn’t been really challenged against top-level opposition in Test cricket yet,” he said.

Broad also pointed out that Brydon Carse looked “knackered” during the fourth Test and could use a breather, while Josh Tongue, who featured earlier in the series, could be a like-for-like replacement if England opt to rest Jofra Archer.

READ: Ben Dwarshuis helps Australia sweep West Indies in T20I series

Australia opener Usman Khawaja has questioned the incident involving a Pakistan fan during the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford.

Usman Khawaja posted on his social media handle regarding the incident that happened during the Manchester Test.

“This can’t be legit,” wrote Usman Khawaja on Instagram.

Earlier, a video emerged on social media in which a Pakistani fan named Farooq Nazar was told to cover up the Pakistan jersey. The spectator was wearing Pakistan’s traditional limited-overs jersey during the India-England match.

“I’ve been asked by control [Lancashire] if you can cover that shirt up, please,” the audio of the video transcribes.

In response, the spectator asked about the written order, and the guard replied that he should email regarding it.

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“Can you give me the written order? I have paid for the ticket. I need it in writing before I comply,” Nazar said in the video.

Later, a lady police officer came in and explained why he needed to cover up his shirt or have it changed.

“I will not cover the jersey because I am representing the country. You can take me out by force. Everyone can film me what you are doing to me. I have paid for the ticket. No Indian crowd complained about me,” he told several security people.

Following the incident, a Lancashire spokesperson stated that they have launched an investigation into the matter.

“We are aware of the incident referenced and are taking steps to understand the facts and context surrounding the matter fully,” the spokesperson said.

It is pertinent to mention that India and Pakistan have had tense relations in the recent past, both politically and in cricket terms.

A recent example was the cancellation of the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India and Pakistan, scheduled for 20 July at Edgbaston.

READ: WATCH: Fan asked to cover Pakistan jersey during India-England Test

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has thrown his weight behind Ben Stokes following the handshake controversy during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford.

The Three Lions captain, Stokes, has been under fire regarding his behavior during the final few moments of the Manchester Test.

With India’s batters, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, nearing their centuries on Sunday, England offered India the option to shake hands and accept the draw; however, the visitors chose to stay on the field until both batters completed their tons.

As a result, England utilized their part-time bowlers and allowed Harry Brook to bowl until the final moments against the Indian batters.

Now, Kevin Pietersen has come out in the defence of England’s captain and defended England’s frustration.

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“Two days fielding and no result on the cards – you WANT to get off the field!” he wrote on X.

“You cannot have a pop at Stokes for his frustration. Very easy to have a pop at him when you’re sitting in your lounge watching. You’re NOT in the battle. Leave the men in the ring to be emotional,” Kevin Pitersen added.

Ben Stokes has been heavily criticized for shaking hands despite Indian batters playing in their nineties.

Earlier, England legend Geoffrey Boycott also criticized England’s approach during the final hour of the Test match.

“What goes around comes around. England were gobby enough when it suited them, so you can’t blame India for wanting to stay on and allow two batsmen who had worked their socks off to reach their hundreds,” Boycott wrote in a  British outlet.

“Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar deserved their hundreds. They left the ball well, played with the full face of the bat, and defended their wickets at all costs. Well done.”

He highlighted the Indian batters’ resilience and said that he would have done the same as Jadeja and Sundar did.

“These India players are tough cookies. They do not take a backward step. There is no way I would have let anyone drag me off on 89 after I had worked hard all day to save the game for my team,” Geoffrey Boycott wrote.

It is worth noting that India managed to salvage a draw despite England’s substantial lead. Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar starred with tons and managed to keep the series alive.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is weighing in on major changes in the coaching staff after the conclusion of the five-match India-England Test series.

According to the reports, Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir’s position is safe; however, bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate are set to be sacked.

The BCCI will review the decisions after the conclusion of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Still, the final decision will be made only after the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to take place in September.

Both Morkel and Ten Doeschate were handpicked by Gautam Gambhir. Consequently, their performances have been under the radar for quite some time despite India managing a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

The concerns regarding Morne Morkel arose from India’s struggles with fast bowling, resulting in the failure to nurture a single fast bowler.

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Meanwhile, the report asserts that Gautam Gambhir will continue in his role as head coach amid the Team’s transition phase.

Along with Morne Morkel and Ryan Ten Doeschate, chief selector Ajit Agarkar is also under scrutiny, with reports suggesting that tension exists between the Team India management and the players regarding a few selection decisions.

Among the notable decisions is the exclusion of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, reflecting India’s inclination towards bowling all-rounders.

READ: WATCH: Fan asked to cover Pakistan jersey during India-England Test

A fan named Farooq Nazar, in the media, was told to cover up the Pakistan jersey during the India-England Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Following the incident, Lancashire stated that it has launched an investigation into the matter.

“We are aware of the incident referenced and are taking steps to understand the facts and context surrounding the matter fully,” a Lancashire spokesperson said.

In the video posted on social media, the security guard, identifying himself as a Lancashire employee, asked the fan to cover the Pakistan jersey.

The fan was wearing Pakistan’s traditional limited-overs jersey during the India-England match. However, it is unconfirmed on which day the fan was wearing a Pakistan jersey.

“I’ve been asked by control [Lancashire] if you can cover that shirt up, please,” the audio of the video transcribes.

In response, the spectator asked about the written order, and the guard replied that he should email regarding it.

“Can you give me the written order? I have paid for the ticket. I need it in writing before I comply,” Nazar said in the video.

Later, a lady police officer came in and explained why he needed to cover up his shirt or have it changed.

“I will not cover the jersey because I am representing the country. You can take me out by force. Everyone can film me what you are doing to me. I have paid for the ticket. No Indian crowd complained about me,” he told several security people.

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As seen in the video, Farooq Nazar appeared annoyed by repeated requests to cover his shirt. Reports indicate that Nazar chose to leave the ground instead of hiding his shirt.

It is pertinent to mention that India and Pakistan have had tense relations in the recent past, both politically and in cricket terms.

A recent example was the cancellation of the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India and Pakistan, scheduled for 20 July at Edgbaston.

For the unversed, the fourth Test between India and England ended in a draw as the visitors battled out 143 overs during the final day.

Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and captain Shubman Gill scored tons in a folk fore worthy performance at Old Trafford.

READ: Sadia Iqbal eyes team glory over rankings ahead of Women’s World Cup 2025

MANCHESTER: India head coach Gautam Gambhir remained tight-lipped over the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, scheduled to begin on July 31 at The Oval.

With England leading the five-match series 2-1, India will head into the decider aiming to level the series, following a gritty draw in the fourth Test where the visitors batted out five sessions under pressure.

There had been concerns around Bumrah’s workload heading into the final leg of the series, especially given his central role across formats.

But Gautam Gambhir confirmed that the pace spearhead, along with the rest of the fast bowlers, is fully fit.

“All the fast bowlers are fit. There are no injury concerns,” Gambhir stated during the post-match press conference.

However, he remained non-committal when asked if the management would stick to the original workload management plan or reconsider given the series situation.

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“We haven’t had any conversation around the combination for the last Test. No decision has been made on whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Ultimately, whoever plays, they will try and do the job for the country,” he added.

Reflecting on the drawn fourth Test, Gambhir lauded the team’s fight but made it clear that results remain the ultimate benchmark.

“You are asking someone who only believes in results. We are still 2-1 down in the series,” he said.

“Yes, there is inexperience, but this is still the best Indian team right now. Hopefully, we can make it 2-2. That’s going to be a good achievement.”

He credited the batting unit for showing character under pressure and backed his side to bring the fight to The Oval.

“Batting for five sessions after being put under pressure shows great character. Going into The Oval, we’ll take a lot of confidence,” he concluded.

India squad for fifth England Test

Shubman Gill (c), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur

READ: Rishabh Pant’s replacement named for fifth England Test