As hosts England closed in on a series win at the Oval on Day 4 of the fifth Test vs India, the day was called off earlier than expected due to bad light.
Moments later, the sun returned but the game was officially announced to resume on Day 5, prompting frustration and disappointment among fans.
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With England needing just 35 runs for a win, rain and bad light halted play for a while, but the day was called off at 6 p.m. BST with more than half an hour still left to the official close time.
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Day 4 of the India vs England Test was due to rain and bad light
Day 4 of the India vs England Test had the game reach its climax. England were at 339/5 when bad light halted the play. With just 35 runs needed and the conditions improving, everyone expected a restart soon, but that was not the case. However, the game was called off a bit earlier than expected.
The decision has not gone well with the fans, as they feel it is nothing but a strategy by the management to protect the ticket sales of Day 5.
This seems like a Chief Executive’s decision with Day 5 already sold out. No wonder the ground staff didn’t move a muscle despite bright sunshine #ENGvIND.. https://t.co/6VJCyG1nDD
— Being Outside Cricket (@OutsideCricket) August 3, 2025
England were at 339/5 when bad light halted the play. With just 35 runs needed and the conditions improving, everyone expected a restart soon, but that was not the case.
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Former English legend Stuart Broad also expressed his disappointment over the decision as he felt the fans deserved a result that evening. Given that only about 30 minutes more were needed to wait for potential resumption, many, including Broad, believed it was a lazy decision to close the day's play.
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?
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) August 3, 2025
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India started day 4 in a great fashion, dismissing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope early. However, a fantastic 195-run stand between the great Joe Root and Harry Brook took England to a commanding position.
Indian bowlers then made a strong comeback later in the day, as they clinched three key wickets in the last session. With the ball moving around and pressure building up on the English side, the day was called off, forcing the play to move to the final day of the series.
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Now England needs just 35 runs while India will hope to close out with four quick wickets. The game hangs in A balance, and the fans are in for a thriller on Day 5 when it resumes on Monday, August 4 at 11:00 a.m. BST (local) or 3:30 p.m. IST.