The decisive fifth and final Test of the India tour of England, the inaugural Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, commences at The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4, 2025. England lead the five-match series 2–1 heading into this crucial encounter. A series win would mark England’s first Test series success against India in seven years, while India aim to level the contest and leave England empty‑handed in the iconic new trophy face‑off.
Match Preview
England have controlled the series with their bold Bazball brand of cricket—an aggressive, high-tempo ethos pioneered by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. Across the first four Tests, they have claimed two victories, while India have staged a gritty rescue at Old Trafford to force a draw in the fourth match, keeping the series alive 2–1. Much now turns on whether Stokes and his team can close the job at The Oval or if the Indian side will muster enough momentum to force a decider.
Weather and Pitch Report
At The Oval in early August, conditions typically favour batters early in the match with clear skies and mild temperatures. As the match progresses, the pitch usually offers assistance to spin and reverse swing bowlers, especially under overcast or drying conditions. Indian spinners could play a pivotal role if the surface wears in the latter days, while England’s seamers will seek to exploit early movement under cloud cover.
Team News
India
- Wicket‑keeper Rishabh Pant is ruled out due to a fractured foot sustained during the fourth Test in Manchester.
- Narayan Jagadeesan has been named as Pant’s replacement, with Dhruv Jurel also in contention for keeping duties.
- Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly urged captain Shubman Gill to back a bold selection strategy, emphasizing that strong bowling is essential for a Test win.
- Sourav Ganguly has recommended inclusion of spin all-rounder Kuldeep Yadav, particularly on a surface like The Oval that may assist turn.
- Reports suggest up to three changes from the side at Old Trafford, with Jasprit Bumrah expected to be included if fit.
England
- England have made a key squad addition by recalling fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton, returning after three years and providing fresh pace depth.
- Captain Ben Stokes remains committed to playing despite suffering soreness and a bicep tendon issue—he has bowled 140 overs this series and insists the likelihood of sitting out is “very unlikely”.
- Ollie Pope, England vice-captain, has shown resilient form in the series but mixed scores; his role at number three remains central to England’s batting build-up.
Probable Playing XI
England (likely):
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope (vc), Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Chris Woakes, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton
India (likely):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
Key Players
India
- Shubman Gill (c): Four centuries so far in the series, including a double hundred at Edgbaston, making him only the third captain in Test history to reach that mark in a series. His ability to anchor the innings under pressure will be vital at the top.
- Jasprit Bumrah: If fit and selected, he is India’s premier strike bowler and expected to exploit any seaming or reverse swing opportunities with the new and old ball.
England
- Ben Stokes (c/all‑rounder): The leading wicket‑taker in the series with 17 scalps and a century-plus performance combined in a Test – his all-round impact could decide the match if he plays through the pain.
- Joe Root: The batting stalwart has already scored a big hundred in this series and he will be eager to play a big knock again in this decisive match.
Match Prediction
This final Test at The Oval is a high-stakes, high-drama setting. England’s Bazball philosophy and dominance in the first four Tests give them the edge—but their bowling unit remains stretched; Stokes’ fitness is a concern—even as he carries the team through. India, in contrast, will rely on their formidable batting depth led by Gill, Jadeja, and new emergence of Washington Sundar in the fourth Test, alongside potentially game-changing selections such as Kuldeep Yadav and Bumrah to strengthen their attack.
If England can close out early wickets with Overton, Woakes, and Stokes bowling on a green morning pitch, they’ll be favourites to wrap up a 3–1 series win. However, if Indian spinners exploit the turning track mid-match and Gill delivers another century, India have the firepower to secure a series-drawing result and spoil the hosts’ celebrations.
Prediction: England are slightly favoured to win the match and the series 3–1, due to home advantage, greater bowling depth, and leadership stability. However, India’s momentum from the Manchester draw, their batting resilience, and spinners could tilt the game toward a high‑drama tie, or even a sensational series-levelling win.
