ENG vs IND 5th Test Match Preview: India take on England in the fifth and final Test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy at the Kennington Oval, starting Thursday, July 31, 2025. The series is delicately placed at 2-1 in England’s favour, making this a must-win encounter for the visitors
Let’s look. ENG vs IND 5th Test Match Preview, Pitch report, Playing XIs, Key Player and Match prediction
Last Match Recap – ENG vs IND 4th Test at Manchester
England dominated the 4th Test in most sessions at Old Trafford but failed to win, ending in a frustrating draw. Batting 1st, England posted 668 runs on the board with Root’s and Ben Stokes’ centuries.
India faced significant challenges on Day 4, falling to 0-2. However, they mounted a remarkable comeback led by KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, all of whom scored fifties or centuries. The match ultimately ended in a draw, keeping the series alive as they head into the final Test.
ENG vs IND Pitch Report – Kennington Oval, London
The pitch at The Oval typically offers swing and seam movement early on, especially during cloudy conditions. Batting becomes easier on Days 2 and 3, with spinners coming into play as the surface wears down. Fast bowlers who stay disciplined can still find opportunities throughout the Test.
Average 1st innings score: 345
Average 4th innings score: 210
Toss: Bat First
Expect some interruptions from rain on Day 1 and Day 4, with mostly overcast conditions that could aid swing bowling.
ENG vs IND 5th Test Match Preview & Team Analysis
England Team Preview
England comes into the final Test with a narrow lead and a chance to seal the series at home. Despite letting India off the hook in Manchester, the hosts remain confident. However, Ben Stokes’ absence due to injury is a big blow. Ollie Pope will captain the side for the 1st time.
The hosts have made four changes:
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IN: Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
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OUT: Ben Stokes (injured), Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse (rested), Liam Dawson
Jamie Smith has been England’s standout performer with 424 runs in 7 innings, averaging 85. Root and Brook continue to anchor the middle order, while Duckett and Crawley are tasked with quick starts.
On the bowling front, Woakes, Atkinson, and Tongue will lead the charge in Stokes’ absence. Jamie Overton adds pace and bounce on a helpful Oval track.
England Playing XI in 5th Test:
- 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 Team Preview
India produced a gritty fightback in Manchester and will take confidence into this series-deciding Test. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill continue to be the pillars of the batting unit, with Gill leading from the front with 722 runs at a stunning average of 101.6.
Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested. With Arshdeep Singh likely to come in place of Anshul Kamboj. Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav could feature depending on pitch conditions.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar performed exceptionally in the last match. With Rishabh Pant ruled out, young Dhruv Jurel receives another opportunity.
India Playing XI in 5th Test:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav / Shardul Thakur
- Akash Deep / Anshul Kamboj
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Why to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | India | Leading run-scorer in the series, in supreme form |
| Jamie Smith | England | Middle-order rock with consistent big scores |
| Joe Root | England | Anchoring the innings and stabilising the top order |
| Ravindra Jadeja | India | India’s most consistent all-rounder this series |
| Chris Woakes | England | Key seamer in the absence of Archer and Stokes |
| KL Rahul | India | Crucial to India’s top-order resistance |
ENG vs IND Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
This series has moved dramatically, and with England missing two key players in Stokes and Archer, India had a golden chance to draw the series.
If Gill and Rahul maintain their exceptional form and Siraj effectively leads the bowling unit, India could achieve a remarkable victory at The Oval.
Prediction: India to win – and level the series 2-2.
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