Former England legend Stuart Broad has openly criticized the decision to call early stumps on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test between England and India at The Oval. Play was halted due to rain, but Broad felt the umpires made a "lazy decision" to abandon play with 20 minutes still remaining before the possible start time. He believes the fans "deserved to see a finish" to the test match on Day 4.
England were in a strong position, needing only 35 more runs to win with four wickets in hand. The umpires' decision to call stumps came as a surprise, especially since the ground staff had reportedly informed match officials that the outfield could not be prepared in time, even with the remaining 42 minutes. The brief but intense rain shower had left the outfield damp, and the covers protecting the pitch and square were waterlogged.
Broad voiced his frustration on social media, questioning who made the call to end play prematurely. He wasn't alone in his criticism. Former England captain Nasser Hussain also empathized with the spectators who had paid a lot of money to attend the match. Hussain suggested that the ground staff should have at least attempted to dry the field with the super-sopper, considering there were still around 40 minutes left.
The early end was particularly tough on India, who had fought back after dismissing Joe Root and Jacob Bethell after tea. India's bowlers, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, were building pressure on Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton before the weather intervened.
In defense of the decision, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel pointed out that the outfield was quite wet when play was called off. Morkel acknowledged the ground staff's efforts and stated that the decision was out of their control. He emphasized the importance of focusing on warming up well and bowling in the right areas on the final day.
Despite the frustration, all eyes are now on the final day of the Test match. The stage is set for a dramatic finish as England look to secure the remaining runs needed for victory, while India aim to take the remaining wickets and level the series.
