ENG vs IND 2025: ‘That is not cricket at all’ – Sunil Gavaskar slams England’s field tactics on Day 3 at Lord’s

ENG vs IND 2025: ‘That is not cricket at all’ – Sunil Gavaskar slams England’s field tactics on Day 3 at Lord’s (Source: Getty Images)

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed strong disapproval over England’s fielding strategy on Day 3 of the third Test against India at Lord’s. During the first session, Gavaskar was visibly upset as England set an unusually heavy leg-side field, deploying as many as seven fielders on the leg side while KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were batting.

While the English bowlers were not consistently using short-pitched deliveries, Gavaskar likened the tactic to ‘bodyline’ bowling due to its restrictive nature and its apparent intent to tighten the scoring opportunities. He argued that such tactics went against the spirit of the game and also called upon Sourav Ganguly, chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, to address the issue and ensure that the game does not move away from fair play.

“That is not cricket at all. Sourav Ganguly, the ICC cricket committee’s head, is listening to this, please ensure next time it’s six fielders on the leg side,” Gavaskar said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

KL Rahul inched closer to a well-deserved century as India reached 248 for four at Lunch on Day 3 of the third Test against England at Lord’s. The star opener remained unbeaten on 98, guiding India through the morning session alongside Rishabh Pant, who scored a fluent 74 before being run out in the final over before the break, courtesy of a bull’s eye throw by the English skipper Ben Stokes.

India began the day at 145 for three, with Rahul and Pant resuming their partnership. The duo kept the scoreboard ticking steadily, adding 103 runs in the morning session. Their efforts helped India reduce the deficit to 139 runs, following England’s first-innings total of 387.

Rahul was composed and elegant throughout his knock and played several delightful drives and flicks, but the highlight of his innings came when he executed a crisp back-foot punch through the covers off Brydon Carse.

Pant, on the other hand, brought his trademark aggression to the crease. He reached his half-century with a hooked six over deep fine leg off England captain Ben Stokes. He also scored his 88th six in Test cricket, taking him past Rohit Sharma to become India’s second-highest six-hitter in the format, behind only Virender Sehwag.

However, just before the interval, Pant was dismissed via a brilliant direct hit from Stokes at the non-striker’s end, ending a vital stand with Rahul. Despite losing Pant, India ended the session on a strong note and will look to build further in the post-lunch period with Rahul approaching a well-earned century.