'Lazy decision to call it off: Broad strongly slams the decision to call stumps early on Day 4 at The Oval

After a phenomenal sequence of play that reached the extent of thrill, it is the rain that had the last laugh on Day 4, and subsequently, the Oval Test has been pushed to the fifth and final day. The match was heading towards a dramatic conclusion as India had stormed its way back with two quick wickets of Jacob Bethell and Joe Root in the final session, whereas England needed 35 more runs to seal the series. It was anybody’s game, but the rain gods decided to have a say in the game again.

After considering all the factors, the umpires decided to call it a day, and stumps were declared on Day 4, almost 20 minutes prior to the official time.

Broad Blasts Early Stumps Decision

Former England pacer Stuart Broad slammed the call and tagged it as “lazy decision”. According to Broad, given that the conclusion of the game was at a touching distance, the day could have been extended, and play could have resumed in another 20 minutes. Brook further stated that the spectators deserved a climax of the Test on Day 4 itself.

“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 6 pm in my opinion. I wonder who makes it?” Broad wrote on a social media platform X.

Oval Test set up for a thrilling finish on Day 5

While the rain drama has dragged the Test match, considering the fact that the previous four Tests of the series also went down to the wire on Day 5, it was written in the stars that the fifth and final Test will also conclude on Day 5. India will have a reason to complain as the momentum had shifted rapidly in their favour in the final phase of Day 4. However, in order to save the series, the Indian bowlers will have to return with the same hunger and increased zeal to take the remaining three wickets.

As for England, they will start the day needing another 35 runs. With three wickets in hand and only that many runs remaining, the action is certainly not going beyond the morning session, unless the weather spoils sport again.