Cricket Turns Fiery but Affable as England Coach Reacts to Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley's Spat

The third India-England Test at Lord's has become an engrossing battle not only for the cricket on offer but also due to the tension and emotions involved. One of the highlights of the day was when Indian batsman Shubman Gill and England opener Zak Crawley exchanged heated words on Day 3. Though the moment had evident intensity on the field it never got dirty which speaks volumes about how cricket has evolved through the years. England's assistant coach Marcus Trescothick had his say on the controversy declaring that it is nice to have some competitiveness on the field and that it gives some spice to the game but doesn't cross any serious boundaries.

According to Trescothick, contemporary cricket has become more amicable due to the popularity of global franchise competitions. With teams having players from across the world usually sharing the same dressing rooms in tournaments such as the IPL and The Hundred they develop relationships that spill over into international cricket. But for him while that friendliness is to be appreciated it takes away at times the old fire of Test cricket. That is why he believed that the brief confrontation between Gill and Crawley was healthy for the sport because it rekindled that competitive spirit that fans love to witness.

He said that both teams are very much interested in their game and emotions sometimes get the better of them during intense games. That is what happens in any top-level sport. The key is to maintain limits and make sure that it does not lead to anything disrespectful. Trescothick reiterated that both India and England have demonstrated that they know where the line is and that they have not crossed it. He added that the current series has witnessed a few moments of verbal spats but none of them became actual issues. Rather than dampen the level of the match, they have helped raise it and make it more thrilling to watch and play for the fans and players themselves.

The current match has hit a very heart-stopping level. India requires 135 runs to win with only one day remaining and England requires only six wickets to end the pursuit. The stage is tight and both sides are under pressure. On the fourth day four key Indian wickets were lost by India in the last hour of play and India could only add 58 runs during that time. That collapse has tilted the match's balance in favor of England and put England back in the race.

Trescothick spoke about how thrilling that final hour of play was. According to him, the atmosphere on the field was electric and England's bowlers were actually working very hard. It was a real manifestation of Test cricket's beauty where a single good session can turn the entire game around. In the dressing room however the atmosphere was still relaxed and composed. He averred the team was celebrating each wicket but was not carried away. In his opinion they were completely on the job and in control of their emotions even with all that was happening on the ground.

As the match enters its last day everything is focused on how the first hour goes. Trescothick is of the view that this will be the turning point in determining in which direction the match turns. If India can play positively and form a solid partnership they may well have a chance to chase down the target. Alternatively, if England score early and take a couple of early wickets the game could turn their way. It is an old-fashioned Test match scenario where both outcomes are still highly possible and spectators are in for a thrilling conclusion.

What is remarkable from all this is how cricket has changed in the modern era. Players these days tend to find themselves teammates at one stage and rivals at the next. That creates greater understanding and camaraderie. But Test cricket must also have episodes of drama and intensity in order to retain its vintage charm. The spat between Gill and Crawley though heated was not angry. It was a matter of pride and competitiveness something the game needs in the right amounts, according to Trescothick. He said that today's players are conscious of the limits and even when they are near boiling point, they understand how to retreat.

This strategy has in fact enriched the game. It provides for passion without disrespect and maintains the spirit of cricket. It is also indicative of the maturity of the present generation of cricketers who are capable of juggling their emotions with professionalism. As the game approaches its end the spotlight will shift to the players' skill and temperament. Will India keep their cool and chase down the target or will England stage a thriller victory by taking the remaining six wickets only time will tell.

Ultimately what makes the Test one to remember is not so much the scoreboard or the runs and wickets as the emotions the competitiveness and the sport with which both sides have played. Marcus Trescothick's comments articulate a sentiment building in world cricket that rivalries can be fierce without being ugly and players can be hard to beat without forgetting respect. While the fans worldwide are able to view this enthralling Test match develop, it is this excellent equilibrium of blaze and warmth that provides an added dimension to the competition.