Former England pacer Stuart Broad has voiced his frustration over the early end to Day 4 of the fifth Test between India and England at The Oval. The thrilling encounter, which saw India mount a fierce comeback, was cut short due to bad light followed by a brief rain spell. Although sunshine returned shortly after, the umpires decided to call stumps around 11 PM IST—12 minutes before the official cutoff time.
Stuart Broad took to social media, calling the decision “lazy” and suggesting that fans deserved to witness the match’s natural conclusion on Sunday itself. He questioned the authorities’ lack of flexibility, especially given the dramatic momentum India had gained in the final session. His post on X (formerly Twitter) read, “Felt the supporters deserved to see a finish to that Test Match today. Felt a lazy decision to call it off at 6pm, in my opinion. I wonder who makes it?”
India’s Comeback Sets Stage for Day 5 Thriller
India, led by Shubman Gill, turned the tide late on Day 4 by removing set batters Jacob Bethell and Joe Root in quick succession. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s disciplined spells had England under pressure as Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton struggled to settle.
With England needing just 35 runs to win and India chasing four more wickets, the final day promises high drama. The use of the heavy roller by England could flatten the pitch slightly, giving the hosts a marginal edge. However, with the new ball around the corner and India’s bowlers fired up, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy could go either way.
Earlier, a brilliant 195-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook had put England in control, but their dismissals opened the door for a possible series-leveling victory for India. If England chase down 374, it will be their third successful 350+ run chase against India in the last three years.
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