Former England bowler Stuart Broad has hit out at the officials for calling early stumps on Day 4, as the thrilling fifth Test was left hanging in suspense.Bad light interrupted play during the final session of the fourth day in the fifth Test between India and England at The Oval on Sunday.England were 339 for 6 at the time of the interruption, needing 35 runs to win the final Test and the five-match series.India, meanwhile, needed just three wickets to win the Test and square the series 2-2, especially as Chris Woakes had already been ruled out of the match due to injury. However, Woakes was seen dressed in his playing kit with his arm in a sling.Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton were batting on 2 and 0 respectively when the umpires checked the light meter and decided to halt proceedings.
“Still 20 mins away from possible start time, everyone has their sunglasses on at the train station,” Broad wrote 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?”The final session had resumed after a brief rain delay, during which Joe Root completed his century. Bethell, who had managed to hit Akash Deep for a four through the covers, was bowled by Prasidh Krishna while attempting a big shot.Tension increased as Krishna troubled Smith with both inside and outside edges. Siraj hit both Smith and Root on their pads with incoming deliveries, and India unsuccessfully reviewed a Krishna delivery to Root.
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Should the umpires have continued play despite the bad light?
India eventually found success when Krishna had Root caught behind by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who took a diving catch to his right. Smith and Overton struggled to score before bad light and heavy rain ended play early.At stumps, England were 339 for 6 in 76.2 overs, chasing a target of 374. Prasidh Krishna took three wickets for 109 runs, while Mohammed Siraj claimed two for 95.
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