England vs India: Fifth Test Preview & Stakes

England head inEngland vs India: Fifth Test Preview & Stakes
England head into the climactic fifth and final Test against India at The Oval in London starting July 31, 2025, holding a 2–1 series lead in this fiercely contested battle.
What’s at Stake?

India must push for victory to level the series 2–2 and preserve pride and WTC points

England can clinch the series and lift the coveted Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, using momentum to head into the Ashes series.

Injury & Selection Updates

• Ben Stokes is ruled out due to a grade-three shoulder tear, sidelining him for 6–7 weeks. Ollie Pope takes over the captaincy
• England bring in four changes: Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue, while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are rested to manage workload
• India will also be without Jasprit Bumrah (workload-managed) and injured Rishabh Pant. Selections expected include Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeeper, possibly Kuldeep Yadav and promotion of Ravindra Jadeja in the order.

Pitch, Weather & Strategy

• The Oval is expected to offer early seam movement, turning into a temperamental pitch with spin later in the match

Rain may intervene during the first couple of days, potentially influencing the toss decision and encouraging the captains to bowl first

Series Context & Form

• India salvaged a last-gasp dramatic draw at Old Trafford, with Jadeja and Washington Sundar countering with centuries under pressure to deny England a series-sealing win.
• Prior to this, Stokes delivered a historic all‑round performance—his maiden Test century and five-for in the same match, while Joe Root surpassed the 7,000-run mark and became England’s second-highest Test run-scorer.
• England’s high-risk Bazball approach—led by Stokes—paid dividends during their thrilling chase of 371, highlighted by centuries from Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett.