Ben Duckett added fuel to the already simmering tension between India and England with a pointed sledge aimed at Shubman Gill on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s. With the five-match series evenly balanced and both teams fiercely competitive, on-field banter has become part of the narrative, and Sunday was no exception.
The drama unfolded shortly after Gill arrived at the crease in the 13th over, following Karun Nair’s dismissal for 14. With India needing 135 runs to win and six wickets remaining, England were in the mood to rattle the Indian captain. Duckett, fielding at backward point, walked past Gill and delivered a cheeky dig that was caught on the stump mic: “600 runs and he is done for his series. 600 runs is enough for this fella.”
The sledge was a direct reference to Gill’s incredible form earlier in the series, where he had amassed 585 runs in just two Tests. It was also a response to the verbal exchanges between Gill and Zak Crawley a day earlier, when the Indian skipper accused Crawley of deliberate time-wasting to disrupt the rhythm.
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The war of words seemed to have an effect, as Gill didn’t last long at the crease. Brydon Carse bowled a sharp delivery that nipped back in and struck Gill on the pad. After a discussion with KL Rahul, Gill went for the review, but ball-tracking showed all three reds. He walked back for just 6, adding to his first-innings score of 16.
🗣 “600 runs and he is done for the series.” #BenDuckett throws some cheeky comments while bowling, will #ShubmanGill silence him with a strong statement by tour’s end? 🤔
Will #TeamIndia seize control on Day 5 and take a 2-1 lead in this thrilling Test series? 🫣#ENGvIND 👉… pic.twitter.com/xNI6BDO8bz
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 13, 2025
Despite back-to-back failures in this Test, Gill has had a historic series. His tally of 607 runs in six innings — including three centuries and a double ton at Edgbaston — makes him the highest run-scorer for India in a Test series in England, breaking Rahul Dravid’s long-standing record of 602 runs set in 2002.
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Gill’s performances have placed him among Indian greats in English conditions. He now leads a list that includes Virat Kohli (593 in 2018), Sunil Gavaskar (542 in 1979), and Dravid again (461 in 2011). While this Lord’s Test may not have gone his way, his dominance over the series has already left a lasting mark.
With the series finely poised and plenty of fire still left, Gill will be determined to bounce back and steer India toward a historic win.
