Nasser Hussain, Dinesh Karthik fume over 'lack of common sense' as officials declare early stumps: 'Series deserved...'

By Admin

04 Aug, 2025

An Opportunity Missed at The Oval

The cricketing world was left disappointed and questioning the decision-making process of match officials after Day 4 of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test between England and India was cut short due to bad light despite clear skies soon after and a sold-out Oval buzzing with anticipation. With England needing just 35 runs and India chasing four wickets, the match was perfectly poised for a dramatic finish. However, the early stumps call drew sharp criticism from cricket legends Nasser Hussain and Dinesh Karthik, both of whom felt the officials missed an opportunity for a box office finish.

A Clash Set for Fireworks

England's chase of 374 had been stabilized thanks to a stunning 195-run partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root. However, late breakthroughs by Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj reignited India’s chances, leaving all results on the table going into the final session. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton stood at the crease for England, while Chris Woakes, despite nursing a shoulder injury, had expressed readiness to bat if required.

The drama intensified when a brief spell of bad light forced players off the field. Though rain followed, it quickly cleared, and sunlight returned yet umpires Ahsan Raza and Kumar Dharmasena, along with the ground staff, opted not to resume play, calling stumps before 11 PM IST, even though the rules allowed a restart by 11:12 PM IST.

Hussain: “More Common Sense, Please”

Speaking on Sky Sports, former England captain Nasser Hussain questioned the lack of urgency and flexibility shown by the officials.

“This sort of series deserves a finale in front of a big crowd at an iconic cricket ground,” Hussain argued. “You had 42–43 minutes to play with. Within the laws, could they not have used that extra half hour?”

Hussain emphasized that the umpires should have at least consulted both teams.

“Ask them. England might want to continue, India might prefer rest. Either way, make the call with some dialogue. That's where a bit of common sense could've come into play.”

Karthik: “This Series Deserved a Day 4 Finish”

Dinesh Karthik echoed Hussain's disappointment, stating that the decision robbed the crowd and the game of a thrilling conclusion.

“It would have been lovely to have 20,000 fans see the end. Either England would seal the series 3-1, or India could have pulled off a stunning comeback. It’s unfortunate that despite the clear weather, no effort was made to push play.”

Karthik reiterated that the half-hour extension rule could have been invoked and teams could have been asked whether they were willing to proceed.

“You don’t have to force it but at least ask. Today deserved that much.”

A Shame for the Series

With the series showcasing remarkable cricket throughout, the decision to end play early on Day 4 feels like a missed moment in the sport’s storytelling. From Woakes’ grit to India's late-day fightback, everything was set up for a climactic ending. Instead, the officials’ rigidity denied fans an epic chapter in this riveting series.

As Day 5 dawns with all possibilities still technically alive, the spirit of Test cricket demands more than just rules it calls for instinct, drama, and yes, a little bit of common sense.