No official action has been taken, the off-field behavior overshadowed what was otherwise a gripping match. England won the Test by 22 runs, but India remains in contention to level the series in the upcoming final Test at The Oval starting July 31. (Image Source: X)
In a moment as bizarre as it was unexpected, a couple of Indian cricket fans became the centre of online attention, not for their cheering or cricket analysis, but for scrolling through escort websites on their mobile phones during a live match at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
A short clip, now viral on social media, shows two men, believed to be in their 40s, standing in the stands mid-match, completely engrossed in their phones, not to check the scorecard or replays, but to browse escort listings. The video, which appears to have been shot discreetly by nearby spectators, quickly drew both ridicule and condemnation online.
The "Home of Cricket," Lord's, is renowned for its rigorous upper-lip customs, white blazers, and lengthy history. The contrast between this esteemed setting and fans freely perusing escort websites has naturally caused unease.
Social media reactions ranged from sheer disbelief to comedic takes. “Maybe they thought it was Tea Break entertainment,” quipped one user on X (formerly Twitter), while another wrote, “Clearly not everyone was here for the cricket.”
Yet, some viewers weren’t laughing. "Disrespectful and classless," one spectator commented, reflecting growing concerns over mobile phone distractions and decorum at live sporting events. No formal action has been taken by stadium authorities or the MCC, but the incident has revived questions around fan conduct in public spaces.
It concludes an exciting day in which 15 wickets were taken, surpassing the 14 on Day 4 at Lord's and the most in a single day in this series to date. With only 20 runs added for their final four wickets, India was bowled out early in the morning. After that, there was a Bazball blitz, in which England's first batsmen quickly reached a 92-run partnership off just 77 balls, giving the impression that the surface was completely different.
However, India fought back as Akash Deep's breakthrough opened the floodgates. As we enter Day 3, the game is still perfectly balanced, with momentum fluctuating in the manner of a traditional Test match.
India responded with a vigorous bowling display after lunch, even though Crawley went on to score a smooth 64. England were bowled out for 247 thanks to the contributions of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who each finished with four wickets. The only other notable contributor after Crawley was Harry Brook, who made 53.
England created opportunities in the last session but was unable to take advantage of them, dropping three catches, including a costly one from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is still undefeated at 51. They did manage to dismiss KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan before terrible light forced an early halt to play, around fifteen minutes ahead of schedule, despite the wasted opportunities.
The fifth Test match between England and India at The Oval in London is still full with exciting action. In the third innings, India is batting at 75/2 in 18.0 overs. Both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Akash Deep are undefeated at the crease at 4 (off 2) and 51 (off 49), respectively. While out at bat, Gus Atkinson has bowled six overs for one wicket and 26 runs. Another player in action is Jamie Overton, who has played five overs so far without taking any wickets.
