The IND vs ENG 5th Test at The Oval will decide the fate of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. England lead the series 2-1, but India still have a chance to level it. The absence of Ben Stokes (shoulder tear) and Jasprit Bumrah (rested) has reshaped both teams’ strategies, setting the stage for a dramatic finale where weather may play as significant a role as the players.
Table of Contents
Series Context: Can India Level the Series or Will England Seal It?
The IND vs ENG Test 2025 series has been fiercely competitive. England won the first and third Tests, while India took the second. The fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw after tense final moments. Now, The Oval hosts the 5th Test, where India must win to draw the series.
England has the advantage, but India’s top-order batters dominate the run charts. Shubman Gill leads with 722 runs, including four centuries. England’s bowling, however, has struggled for consistency. Chris Woakes, usually lethal at home, averages 52.80 this series.
Team News: Stokes Out, Bumrah Rested
England Squad Update
- The grade three shoulder tear ruling out Ben Stokes creates a leadership void and removes England’s most potent bowler (19 wickets at 24.63) and emotional heartbeat.
- Jofra Archer’s participation remains uncertain after his poor form in Manchester.
- Jacob Bethell’s inclusion adds intrigue – the 21-year-old left-hander, who impressed as an emergency No. 3 in New Zealand last winter, now faces his biggest test yet. His occasional off-spin could prove crucial on a pitch where part-timers have historically thrived.
India Squad Update
- With Bumrah rested after Manchester’s marathon 33-over spell, Mohammed Siraj must lead an attack featuring recalled seamer Akash Deep.
- The selection dilemma between Shardul Thakur’s batting depth and Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin looms large, particularly given The Oval’s tendency to favor spinners as matches progress.
- Dhruv Jurel’s official debut as wicketkeeper adds fresh energy to India’s lower order.
India vs England 5th Test Probable Squads
England’s Probable XI:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope (c)
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jacob Bethell
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Gus Atkinson
- Jamie Overton
- Josh Tongue
India Probable XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- B Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Washington Sundar
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Shardul Thakur / Kuldeep Yadav
- Akash Deep
- Prasidh Krishna / Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
Pitch and Conditions: Rain Threatens Day 1
Where is the 5th Test of IND vs ENG? The Oval, London. The pitch has a green tinge, suggesting early help for seamers. Historically, seamers dominate here; 131 of 150 wickets this season went to pacers.
IND vs ENG Weather Report
- Day 1 (July 31): High chance of rain, possible delayed start.
- Afternoon showers (50% chance) around 2 PM local time.
- Cloud cover (85%) may persist, affecting play.
If rain disrupts the match, a draw becomes likelier, handing England the series. India needs full playing time to force a result.
Tactical Ramifications:
- Teams may declare aggressively, knowing rain could steal time
- Toss becomes crucial – bat-first teams win 58% of Oval Tests since 2015
Key Player Battles That Could Decide the Series
- Siraj vs Crawley
- Strength vs Strength: Siraj’s wobble-seam vs Crawley’s off-side prowess
- Stat: Crawley averages 62 against India this series but has been dismissed 3 times between overs 11-20
- Jadeja vs Root
- History: 7 Test dismissals, including twice this series
- Method: Jadeja’s stump-line accuracy (Root’s strike rate: 42.8 against him).
Ind vs Eng Live
Match Prediction: Who Has the Edge?
England’s lead gives them confidence, but Stokes’ absence weakens them. India’s batting is stronger, but their bowling lacks bite without Bumrah.
If India bats first and scores 400+, they can pressure England.
If England’s new-look attack fires, they could seal the series.
How to Watch IND vs ENG Live
Fans can catch IND vs ENG live on:
- TV: Sony Sports Network (India), Sky Sports (UK)
- Streaming: JioHotstar (India), Sky Go (UK)
Last Words
The 5th Test IND vs ENG is set for a thrilling finish. Will India fight back, or will England clinch the series? Weather, team changes, and key performances will decide.
As storm clouds gather over The Oval’s iconic gasometers, the stage is set for a Test that will define both teams’ eras. England seeks validation for their new-age approach, while India aims to conquer final-day nerves that have haunted them abroad.
With Stokes’ warrior spirit absent and Bumrah’s lethal yorkers unavailable, this may ultimately come down to which team best masters the art of rain chess, calculating when to push and when to hold in ever-changing conditions.
One certainty remains: when play begins, 141 years of Oval Test history will bear witness to another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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