On the third day of the Dharamsala Test, the morning session kicked off with an intense sledging exchange between Shubman Gill and Jonny Bairstow, adding a fiery touch to the Saturday showdown.
In the final Test of the thrilling five-match series between India and England, sparks flew on the field, adding a spicy twist to the rivalry. The seasoned English duo, Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson, found themselves in the thick of it, while India’s young guns, Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan, didn’t back down in a verbal exchange.
During the morning session on Saturday, Jonny Bairstow, celebrating his 100th Test, confronted Shubman Gill regarding the words exchanged with James Anderson on day 2. The previous day had witnessed a heated exchange between Gill and Anderson as the emerging Indian batsman secured his second century of the series. Reportedly, Gill had suggested to Anderson that it might be time for him to “retire.”
Bairstow questioned Gill about this remark to Anderson, and the spirited Indian youngster responded defiantly, confirming that he did advise the 41-year-old Anderson to consider ending his Test career.
With India led by Jasprit Bumrah in the absence of Rohit Sharma, sidelined due to a stiff back, the ball was entrusted to Kuldeep Yadav by Bumrah, following a commanding performance by Ravichandran Ashwin. As Kuldeep prepared to deliver his first ball in the 18th over of England’s second innings, the stump microphones captured Bairstow engaging in a conversation with Gill, positioned in the slip cordon.
This exchange didn’t sit well with Bairstow, leading to a heated conversation between the two players. The discussion escalated, with Jonny bringing up Gill’s relative lack of experience, and Gill, in turn, teasing Bairstow about his subpar performance in the series. Sarfaraz Khan, who was positioned nearby on the field, also joined the verbal fray, expressing his discontent with Bairstow in Hindi.
Bairstow asked Gill: “What did you say to Jimmy about getting retired (or tired) and he got you out after that?”
Gill replied: “So what, it was (he dismissed me) after hundred. How many have you got here?”
Bairstow answered back: “How many have you got in England? (full stop)”
Sarfaraz said: : “Thoda sa runs kya Banadiya jyada uchal Raha hai”
Watch the clip here:
Bairstow displayed an aggressive approach, smashing 39 runs off 31 balls before falling victim to Kuldeep Yadav’s dismissal.
In the fifth Test at Dharamsala, the Indian Team, captained by Rohit Sharma, secured a resounding victory over the England National Cricket Team, triumphing by an inning and 64 runs. This win not only sealed the series with a 4-1 margin but also earned crucial World Test Championship points for the team.
