The fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is heading into a thrilling climax, but not without controversy. Former England pacer Stuart Broad has raised questions over the decision to call off Day 4 early due to bad light and rain, calling it a “lazy” move.
Broad Unhappy with Early Stumps Decision
Despite the skies clearing up and sunlight returning late on Day 4, the umpires decided not to resume play, ending the day at 6 PM. Stuart Broad, who was not at the venue but witnessed the conditions nearby, expressed his disappointment on social media.
“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?” Broad wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Final Day Equation: 35 Runs vs 4 Wickets
At stumps on Day 4, England were 339/6, still needing 35 runs to win. Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) are at the crease, with Chris Woakes uncertain to bat due to a shoulder injury. India, meanwhile, require four wickets to level the series 2-2.
Thanks to centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook, England gained control early on, but India clawed back late in the day with an intense spell from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. The hosts went from cruising to cautious as wickets fell in quick succession.
Siraj’s Heroics Fuel India’s Hope
Mohammed Siraj has been the standout performer for India throughout the series. He has bowled a staggering 1,088 deliveries—the most by any player in the series—and leads the wicket charts with 20 dismissals.
Prasidh Krishna also made a strong impact on Day 4, removing Jacob Bethell for five and then dismissing Joe Root for a well-made 105, shifting the momentum in India’s favor just before the umpires called stumps.
Sanjay Bangar: “A Wicket Felt Possible Every Ball”
Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised India’s late intensity, especially in the third session, when England’s batting began to wobble under pressure.
“It just felt like a wicket could fall with every ball,” Bangar said during JioHotstar’s coverage. “Earlier, nothing much seemed to be happening—but that’s what pressure does. The closer you get to the target, the harder those final steps become. Mental battles take over. India forced England into that zone.”
With all eyes now on Day 5 at The Oval, cricket fans await a nail-biting finish. Whether England completes the chase or India pulls off a stunning comeback, this finale promises high drama—and plenty of talking points.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!
