Match officials have come under heavy fire for calling stumps early on Day 4 of a crucial Test, forcing the game into a fifth day despite a window where play could have resumed.
Early Stumps Spark Controversy
Umpires Ahsan Raza and Kumar Dharmasena, along with the groundsmen, are facing significant backlash after a contentious decision on Sunday evening. England was just 35 runs shy of victory, with four wickets still in hand, when rain initially halted play.
Critically, the rain eventually ceased, and according to the rules, play could have resumed by 11:12 PM IST. However, officials controversially declared stumps at 11:00 PM IST, much to the dismay of fans and pundits alike.
Nasser Hussain Demands “Common Sense”
Former England captain Nasser Hussain was quick to voice his disappointment on Sky Sports. He emphasized the frustration for viewers and fans who had paid for tickets, highlighting that the following day was a workday.
Hussain argued that a Test series of this magnitude deserved a grand finale in front of a large crowd at the iconic Oval. He pointed out that there were 42-43 minutes available within the laws and playing regulations to continue the game.
He suggested that officials should have at least offered both teams the option to push back the finish time, lamenting the apparent lack of “common sense” in the decision.
Dinesh Karthik Echoes Disappointment
Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik fully supported Hussain’s sentiments, agreeing that the available half-hour extension could have led to a result on Day 4 itself. He stressed the importance of giving teams the choice, especially in a gripping Test series like this.
Karthik highlighted that a live finish, with the crowd witnessing the decisive moments, would have been far more satisfying for everyone involved. He felt that at least asking the teams if they wished to continue was the fair thing to do.
- Match officials called stumps early on Day 4, despite a window for play.
- England needed only 35 runs to win with four wickets remaining.
- Former cricketers Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik heavily criticized the decision.
- They argued for more “common sense” and consideration for fans and the magnitude of the series.
The controversial call means fans will now have to wait an extra day to witness the conclusion of what has been a thrilling Test match.
