Follow UsTensions flared in the recently concluded five-Test series between India and England, with the two teams having a right go at each other.
Things first escalated when Indian skipper Shubman Gill gave England opener Zak Crawley an earful on day three of the Lord’s Test for wasting time, and then the controversies kept flowing after that.
The ‘handshake gate’ involving England skipper Ben Stokes in Manchester also ended up putting the hosts in a bad light, with many criticising England for acting like they’re above the rules.
There were a lot of words exchanged, but according to Crawley, there was absolutely no animosity between the two teams, with the players sitting down and having drinks with each other post the conclusion of the series.
“During the series, you don’t get along that well. You don’t see much of each other, you try and stay away from each other,” Crawley told talkSPORT cricket.
“But as soon as the last ball was bowled, they came into our dressing room and had a couple of beers. And you’re all mates again. I think, deep beneath, you’re always going to have that friendship and that mutual love of cricket and respect for each other.
“But we all wanted to win, and that certainly came out during different points in the series.”
Crawley further said that on-field clashes are, if anything, good for the game, and promised more of the same during The Ashes.
“I think that’s for the good of the game, to be honest,” Crawley said.
“I think that will definitely be the case this winter against the Aussies.”
England and India ended up sharing the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with the series ending 2-2.