The fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India is set for a nail-biting finish on Day 5 in London, UK. However, the early end of Day 4 at The Oval has sparked a passionate controversy. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad led the criticism, saying that calling for early stumps because of terrible light and a brief rain shower was “lazy” and that it took away from the excitement of the end.
Big Change Before Play Stopped
Day 4 was full of ups and downs in terms of feelings. England had a strong lead and looked like they were going to easily reach their goal of 374 runs. But Shubman Gill’s Indian team made an amazing comeback in the last session. The visitors quickly got rid of important batsmen Jacob Bethell and Joe Root. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton had a hard time hitting the ball. India had clearly gained momentum, their tails up and anticipating a potential reversal.
But just as the tension was at its highest, umpires Ahsan Raza and Kumar Dharmasena called the players off the field because the light was too terrible. A little while later, there was a short but heavy rain. Even while the rain stopped immediately, officials decided to call it quits for Day 4, which pushed back the highly anticipated end of the last day.
Broad’s harsh review
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
Stuart Broad, who has played in many exciting Test ends, strongly disagreed with the decision on X (previously Twitter). “Everyone at the train station is wearing sunglasses, even though the possible start time is still 20 minutes away.” Thought the fans deserved to see the end of that Test Match today. In my perspective, it was a lazy choice to call it off at 6 p.m. I wonder who makes it? Broad wrote, echoing what many angry followers were saying.
Reports from The Oval said that there was bright sunshine as soon as the stumps were called, which suggests that a more flexible approach to the regulations might have let play continue. Players could have gone out to the field as late as 11:12 PM IST, according to the rules. However, the decision to call it off was reached around 11 PM IST after talking to the ground staff.
Everything is up for grabs on Day 5.
Even though Day 4 ended in a contentious way, the stage is set for an exciting ending. England needs just 35 more runs to win, while India needs four important wickets to even the series at 2-2.
England has a small edge going into the last day because they can use a heavy roller on the pitch, which could help settle the surface and help their batters. But India shouldn’t be counted out. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj’s spirited effort in the last session of Day 4 showed how determined they were. With the new ball coming soon, they will be seeking for one last burst of wickets.
Harry Brook and Joe Root had given England a strong lead earlier in the innings with a strong 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. If England can chase down 374 runs, it will be their third successful chase of more than 350 runs against India in the last three years. This will add another amazing chapter to this exciting rivalry.