ENG vs IND 2025: ‘I would call it cheating, not professionalism’ – Farokh Engineer on England’s tactics in Lord’s Test

Farokh Engineer, a former Indian cricketer, has sharply criticised Zak Crawley and the England squad for what he characterised as ‘cheating’ during the last seconds of Day 3 at Lords. The 87-year-old, who was there at the location on Saturday, was forthright in his evaluation, criticising England’s tactics and mocking their Bazball attitude.

With India having bowled England out for 387 and matching them run-for-run in their own innings, the hosts came out to bat in the final six minutes of play. However, the brief session became more theatrical than competitive. Zak Crawley was at the focus of a controversy because he continually delayed taking a strike, twice backed away from his stance, and then requested for medical attention after getting smacked on the glove.

These actions disrupted the flow of play and irritated the Indian players, who lost control as tempers erupted. Engineer blasted England’s end-of-day tactics, calling it unsporting and contradicting the spirit of the game, which Bazball purports to uphold.

“The English will call it professionalism, but I’d call it cheating. That was time-wasting tactics. They clearly did not want to face another over. He could have been more covert, but he made it plain. That wasn’t really fair. But who knows. I do not believe our batters would have done such an obvious thing. “The headline says it’s not cricket,” Engineer told RevSportz.

The former wicketkeeper, who played county cricket for Lancashire and has a thorough awareness of English conditions, has criticised the Ben Stokes-led side’s Bazball style in the ongoing series, claiming it is ineffective against top teams such as India.

“This Bazball is all bundlebaz. They can play Bazball against Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Against India, they cannot do so, as I have previously stated. “I wish they had implemented Bazball (during my playing days); we would have won the series by now,” Engineer added.

It was fairly odd coming from Farokh Engineer, who was known for his aggressive cricket. England,

Generally regarded as trend-setters under Brendon McCullum’s coaching, had a run rate of only 3.44 in the first innings. On Day 1, they scored only 241 runs, their lowest total since the former New Zealander took over.

“It’s even Stevens at the moment.” If we had taken a few of wickets by the end of play today, I would have considered ourselves firm favourites. Bumrah still has a new ball in his hand. Akash Deep has yet to bowl. Let us first take 3-4 wickets before noon on Day 4, which we are more than capable of achieving,” the ex-Indian star remarked.