“Shubman Gill and Jonny Bairstow Lock Horns: Clash Erupts Over James Anderson’s Sledge, with Gill Suggesting Bairstow’s Retirement”

Image Source:- Lokmant Times

During the third day of the fifth Test match between India and England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, tensions flared as Indian batters Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, and England batter Jonny Bairstow engaged in a heated argument.

This marked the first serious sledging incident between the two teams in a series otherwise characterized by good sportsmanship. The altercation occurred during the morning session on Saturday, as Bairstow, playing his 100th Test match, aimed to build a partnership with Joe Root amidst England’s struggle.

When Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah handed the ball to Kuldeep Yadav in the 18th over of England’s second innings, stump microphones captured Bairstow sledge Gill, who was fielding at slip, referencing James Anderson’s dismissal of Gill on Day 2 following a verbal exchange. Gill swiftly responded, pointing out that Anderson’s wicket came after he had already scored a century, and also took a jab at Bairstow’s performance in the series.

Dhruv Jurel attempted to calm Bairstow down, while Sarfaraz Khan, positioned at forward short leg, joined in as well. The exchange continued with Bairstow questioning Gill’s ability to score when the ball was swinging, to which Gill and Sarfaraz responded assertively. Interestingly, Gill chose to keep his interaction with Anderson on Day 2 confidential.

However, the sledging did not end favorably for Bairstow, as Kuldeep dismissed him shortly afterward. The series of verbal exchanges added intensity to the match, which saw England struggling against the Indian spinners, with Ashwin and Kuldeep making significant breakthroughs.

Bairstow’s aggressive innings came to an end as he was adjudged LBW off Kuldeep’s delivery, adding another layer of drama to the proceedings.