In the high-stakes clash between India and England during the fifth Test in Dharamsala, James Anderson found himself at the center of a heated exchange with Indian batsman Shubman Gill. The incident, which occurred on Day 3, added an intense layer to the match as Gill notched up his fifth Test century amidst the verbal sparring.
It was Jonny Bairstow who initially brought attention to the incident, as his conversation with Gill was picked up by the stump mic. Bairstow’s inquiry about Anderson’s reaction to retirement or being dropped seemed to spark the exchange, leading to heightened tensions on the field.
🎙️ “I think it would be better for both of us to keep that chat in private!”
Shubman Gill won’t be revealing what he and James Anderson discussed during their battle earlier today 🤫
Watch #INDvENG LIVE on TNT Sports and @discoveryplusuk 📺 pic.twitter.com/WtpWRSS29s
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) March 8, 2024
When pressed to reveal the details of the sledging incident, Gill chose to maintain privacy, displaying remarkable maturity in handling the situation. “It will be better for both of us to keep that chat private,” he responded, refusing to divulge further.
James Anderson reveals what he said to Shubman Gill before dismissing the India batter for his 699th Test wicket 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZRGgHonyCV
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 12, 2024
However, Anderson took a different approach, candidly sharing his side of the story. “I said something to him like, ‘Do you get any runs outside India?’ and he said, ‘It’s time to retire.’ Then two balls later, I got him out,” recounted the seasoned England bowler during an appearance on the BBC tailender podcast.
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The pivotal moment came when Anderson dismissed Gill for 110 runs, shattering his stumps after an intense battle of wits and skills. Despite Gill’s earlier dominance with the bat, Anderson managed to break through and claim victory in their on-field duel.
This wasn’t the first time Anderson had dismissed Gill in Tests, having done so twice in both England and India previously. However, this encounter stood out for its intensity and the determined resolve of both players to come out on top.
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While Anderson ended the series with ten wickets from four Tests, Gill’s stellar performance saw him amass 452 runs, solidifying his position as one of India’s standout performers in the series, second only to Yashasvi Jaiswal. The clash between Anderson and Gill epitomized the competitive spirit of Test cricket, showcasing the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unwavering determination of players on both sides.
