Shubman Gill Booed, Ben Stokes Delivers Fiery Send‑Off at Old Trafford
India captain Shubman Gill was met with audible boos from the Old Trafford crowd upon walking out to bat on Day 1. It followed his pre-match comments accusing England of breaching the Spirit of the Game during the previous Test. Moments later, England’s skipper Ben Stokes responded emphatically with an intense send-off after trapping Gill LBW, adding fuel to an already charged atmosphere.
Background: Spirit‑of‑the‑Game Controversy
Earlier this week, Gill publicly called out England, accusing them of deliberately delaying play by arriving “ninety seconds late” to the crease at Lord’s— a move he said crossed the boundary of fair play. He said:
“To come 90 seconds late… is not something that comes in the spirit of the game.”
This marked a rare escalation in on-field tension, bringing emotion and confrontation into the test’s narrative .
Crowd Reacts to Gill
As Gill walked out to bat, the Old Trafford crowd erupted in boos— a sharp contrast to the warm reception Test captains usually receive. The chant underscored the lingering irritation over his criticism of England, marking a rare instance of sustained crowd negativity .
Dismissal & Stokes’ Send‑Off
Soon after, Ben Stokes struck. Gill left an incoming delivery on off stump, only for the ball to strike pad—Frustrated, he reviewed but lost. Stokes seized the moment with a charged, in-your-face celebration directly at Gill—a send-off widely interpreted as a pointed rebuttal .
Gill’s Response
Despite being booed, Gill maintained composure post-dismissal. He later reiterated his stance on upholding values, clarifying he did not regret the confrontation but emphasized the importance of respect. On his dismissal, Gill said he focused on the team’s collective goals despite the fiery environment.
Impact on Series Narrative
This exchange amplifies the on‑field battle lines: Gill’s forthright statements and England’s physical response highlight the growing intensity. With the series tied at 2–1, these psychological edges could prove decisive in the final stages, adding a new layer of competitive grit to Day 2.
Key Stats & Match Snapshot
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gill’s Score | 12 runs, removed LBW by Ben Stokes |
| Series Score | England lead 2–1 in five-match series |
| Previous Test Margin | England won at Lord’s by 22 runs |
| Booing Trigger | Gill’s pre‑match “Spirit of the Game” allegation |
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accusation | Gill accused England of unsporting delays |
| Crowd Reaction | Booed Gill at Old Trafford |
| Dismissal | Stokes trapped Gill LBW |
| Send‑off | Fiery celebration by Stokes |
| Series Context | Momentum and psychological tension intensified |
Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.
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