Hussain, Karthik Slam Early Stumps at Oval Test
Former cricketers Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik have criticized the on-field officials for calling early stumps on Day 4 of the final Test between India and England at The Oval. With just 35 runs needed for England to win and India requiring four wickets, both believed that the match could have concluded dramatically on Sunday itself—had common sense prevailed.
Rain had interrupted play briefly, prompting the umpires to take the players off for bad light. But shortly after, sunshine returned, and according to rules, play could have resumed until 11:12 PM IST. However, officials ended the day before 11 PM. Hussain, speaking on Sky Sports, expressed disappointment: “That would have been some finale on Sunday. I’m just wondering if they could have done anything within the laws to resume play and finish it in front of a sold-out crowd.”
Calls for Common Sense and Crowd Consideration
Hussain also suggested that the umpires could have used the extra half-hour option or simply consulted both teams. “Ask India and England if they want to push play a bit. If both say no, that’s fair. But at least ask—that’s common sense,” he said.
Dinesh Karthik echoed the same sentiment. He felt the officials should have given the teams and fans a chance at a thrilling conclusion. “With a packed Oval, this kind of series deserves to end with high energy. Both teams fought hard. All it needed was a simple conversation and clarity,” Karthik said.
Earlier, England seemed headed toward an easy win after a 195-run stand between Joe Root and Harry Brook. But a late burst from Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj dismissed both set batters and revived India’s chances heading into Day 5.
The controversy has sparked debate over whether rules should be interpreted with greater flexibility, especially in marquee contests where fans and the spirit of the game deserve priority.
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