Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley’s antics did not sit well with Mohammed Siraj, as the English openers took their time getting ready so they wouldn’t have to face an over from Jasprit Bumrah before lunch on Day 5.
In the final moments of Day 4, Duckett and Crawley added 21 runs to the total while comfortably negotiating six overs as they chased a target of 371 for victory. On Day 5, the Indian pacers bowled their guts out with little success, forcing the openers to work hard, particularly in the first hour.
On Day 5, during the first drinks break, Duckett struck a barrage of boundaries, while Crawley was content to wait in the middle. They toned down the typical flamboyance associated with the ‘Bazball’ approach by combining caution and ferocity.
The England openers realised how crucial it was to hold onto their wickets as the lunch break approached. They were prepared to enter the break unscathed since they were aware that they had already put a good number of runs on the board.
Siraj was spotted running back to his mark to sneak in another over after bowling the 30th over of England’s second innings. But just as the Hyderabad pacer was ready to bowl his last delivery, Crawley arrived very late. Movement behind the sight screen was mentioned by the right-handed batter. On comments, Harsha Bhogle, however, noted that there was no movement.
Before focussing on Duckett, who was watching Crawley’s antics from the opposite end, Siraj took a swing at him and gave him a mouthful. The umpire tossed the bails, signalling for lunch, and the England pair were successful in their intentions.
View the video of Siraj and the England openers having a verbal altercation here.
The intensity is sky-high as #TeamIndia’s bowlers are leaving it all out on the field!
Could this be the moment that sparks a wicket spree from @mdsirajofficial https://t.co/0K41uhrKJ5 pic.twitter.com/BtNs0CXpTQ
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 24, 2025
If the weather holds, the Three Lions will need to score another 254 runs from 66 overs after finishing at 117/0 in 30 overs. Crawley was undefeated at 42 off 93 deliveries, while Duckett sped to 64* off 89 balls.
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