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Cricket fans fume over $17.50 tickets 'to watch one ball'

England cricket fans are up in arms over the ‘absolutely ridiculous’ decision to charge admission for Day 5 of the third Test against India.

India only need one more wicket for victory at Trent Bridge after the hosts ended the fourth day on 9-311, still 210 runs short of their target.

Umpires extended play at the end of the fourth day in a bid to make sure the Test wasn’t extended to a fifth, but Stuart Broad (20) and Adil Rashid (30 not out) held firm until stumps.

With India requiring a single wicket to wrap up the win, the fifth day’s play could conceivably last one delivery.

Jasprit Bumrah of India leads his team from the field at stumps on day four of the third Test match between England and India at Trent Bridge. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Jasprit Bumrah of India leads his team from the field at stumps on day four of the third Test match between England and India at Trent Bridge. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

However officials have made the extraordinary decision to still charge fans for admission.

In Australia, grounds would normally only charge a gold coin donation if the Test was basically over heading into Day 5, but not at Trent Bridge where fans will still be asked to pay 10 pounds ($17.50).

About 2000 tickets have already been sold, and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club officials don’t want to be forced to refund those who’ve already purchased tickets at £10.

But the decision has sparked outrage among fans, with a number of England greats also criticising the call.

“We always think long and hard about day five pricing when we go on sale each October. Sometimes you’ll see a full day, sometimes a few overs,” Nottinghamshire CCC said in their defence.

Defeat on Day 5 will see England’s lead in the five-Test series cut to 2-1, setting up an exciting fourth Test encounter at Southampton starting next Thursday.

with AAP