Controversy Erupts as Umpires Call Early Stumps in India vs. England Test Match

The fourth day of the England versus India Test match at The Oval concluded with a controversial decision by the umpires. With England chasing a challenging target of 374 runs, the game was finely poised when bad light intervened, followed by a brief rain shower. Despite the sun returning, the umpires chose to end play for the day, drawing strong criticism, particularly from former England bowler Stuart Broad. He labeled the decision as “lazy,” suggesting the game should have continued. The match was delicately poised with England needing 35 runs to win and India requiring four wickets to secure victory. The umpires’ decision to end play occurred just minutes before the permitted cut-off time. The hosts have a slight edge with the potential to use a heavy roller to improve batting conditions. However, India’s bowlers, especially Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, were bowling well in the final session, and the second new ball was imminent. Earlier, Joe Root and Harry Brook played a significant role in boosting England’s chase with a 195-run partnership. If England completes the chase, it will be their third successful chase of over 350 runs against India in the past three years.