Stuart Broad criticizes the early stumps decision on Day 4, saying fans missed out on an exciting finish between India and England.
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Stuart Broad: Controversy Erupts as Early Stumps Halt India’s Fightback at the Oval
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India is set for a thrilling finish on Day 5, but Day 4’s drama didn’t end without controversy. England seemed poised for a comfortable win while chasing 374, but Shubman Gill’s India fought back in the final session, removing Jacob Bethell and Joe Root in quick succession. With Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton struggling to get bat on ball, the momentum had clearly shifted. Just as India pressed hard for more breakthroughs, bad light forced the players off. Moments later, rain arrived briefly, and although it soon cleared, the umpires called stumps for the day.
Former England pacer Stuart Broad has criticized the decision, calling it “lazy” and suggesting the fans deserved a proper finish on Sunday. “Still 20 mins away from possible start time, everyone has their sunglasses on at the train station,” Broad posted on X. “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?”
According to match regulations, players had until 11:12 PM IST to return, but umpires Ahsan Raza and Kumar Dharmasena ended play around 11 PM IST after discussions with the groundstaff. Notably, the sun was shining shortly after the decision, raising further questions about the rigidity of the ruling. As it stands, all four results remain possible heading into the series-deciding final day.
Still 20 mins away from possible start time, everyone has their sunglasses on at the train station. 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?
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 3, 2025
Advantage England
As Day 5 of the Oval Test begins, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy hangs in the balance. England need just 35 runs to seal a series win, while India are four wickets away from levelling it 2-2. With all outcomes still possible, the stage is set for a dramatic finish.
England hold a slight edge, thanks in part to the advantage of using a heavy roller before play resumes — a move that could ease the pitch conditions. However, India remain firmly in contention. Pacers Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj were on fire in the final session of Day 4 and will look to unleash one last burst with the second new ball fast approaching.
Earlier, England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root stitched together a brilliant 195-run stand for the fourth wicket, steering their side into a dominant position. If England manage to chase down the 374-run target, it will mark their third successful pursuit of over 350 runs against India in just three years — a remarkable feat.
