In the crucible of cricketing rivalry, the clash between India and England during the final test of the five-match series in Dharamsala reached a boiling point on Day 2, as James Anderson and Shubman Gill engaged in a verbal exchange that added sparks to an already intense contest. Gill remained tight-lipped about the verbal duel during the post-match interview. However Anderson finally disclosed the details of the exchange during an appearance on BBC’s Tailenders Podcast, peeling back the layers of the intense battle that transpired on the field.
The sledging sequence unveiled by James Anderson
Anderson revealed that he initiated the sledging by asking Gill about his runs outside India, “Do you get any runs outside India”. The young batter then retorted with a sharp remark, stating, “It’s time (for you) to retire.” Anderson then shared in the podcast, “I got him out two balls later after that incident,”.
Jonny Bairstow joins the fray
The saga carried on when Jonny Bairstow entered the crease on the Day 3. Bairstow, having caught wind of the exchange, confronted Gill over the words exchanged with Anderson. The exchange between the two players escalated, with Bairstow emphasizing that Gill’s dismissal swiftly followed his verbal jab. The banter extended to the lack of centuries scored by each player in the series, creating a charged atmosphere on the field.
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India emerge victorious
Despite the fiery exchanges and the intensity of the rivalry, India emerged victorious in the series, securing a 4-1 triumph over England. This remarkable feat marked India as the only team, following in the footsteps of Australia 112 years prior in the Ashes of 1911/12, to bounce back from losing the first test and clinch the series by winning the subsequent four matches.
Anderson’s milestone and Shubman Gill’s contribution
While Anderson’s individual performance during the series might not have reached the heights expected, with only ten wickets at an average of 33, his notable achievement was securing his 700th Test wicket. On the other hand, Gill played a pivotal role in India’s success, contributing significantly with centuries that played a crucial part in securing victories for the team. He ended up the series with the fourth-highest run getter and scored 452 and at an average of 56.50.