The final Test of the five-match series between India and England is set to begin on July 31, 2025, at the historic Oval in London. With England currently leading 2-1, this match will determine whether India can level the series at 2-2 or if England will seal a 3-1 series victory on home turf.
Match Details
- Match: 5th Test – India vs England
- Date: July 31 to August 4, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM local (3:30 PM IST)
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network (India)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app, Jio Hotstar app and website’s
What Each Team Needs
| Team | What They Need to Do |
| India | Must Win to level series 2-2 |
| England | Win or draw to take series 3-1 |
Series Recap
- 1st Test – Headingley: England secured a 5-wicket victory.
- 2nd Test – Edgbaston: IND won by 336 runs.
- 3rd Test – Lord’s: England clinched the win by a margin of 22 runs.
- 4th Test – Old Trafford: A thrilling finish, with Jadeja and Sundar holding their ground to secure a draw for India.
India must now win at The Oval to level the series, while England only need a draw or win to seal the series.
What’s at Stake?
- If England were to win the current Test series against India, it would be their first Test series victory over India at home since 2018.
- India are playing to avoid a series loss and keep their momentum going in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.
- This match also affects ICC rankings and team confidence ahead of upcoming tours.
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Team News
India
- Rishabh Pant has been sidelined due to a fractured foot. Dhruv Jurel is likely to keep wickets.
- Jasprit Bumrah will not be playing the fifth Test match against England.
- Kuldeep Yadav is likely to play, as the Oval pitch can assist spinners later in the match.
- Akash Deep, who missed the fourth Test due to injury, is expected to replace Bumrah in the playing eleven.
England
- Captain Ben Stokes is expected to play despite a minor arm issue.
- England may rest Jofra Archer due to injury concerns, with Jamie Overton or Gus Atkinson in line to replace him.
- Joe Root and Zak Crawley have been in good batting form.
Conditions and Pitch Report
- The Oval pitch offers bounce and carry early on, which helps fast bowlers.
- As the match progresses, spinners come into play, making Kuldeep, Jadeja and Washington crucial.
- Weather is expected to be mostly clear, though rain may interrupt play on Day 4 or 5.
Players to Watch
- Shubman Gill (India): One of the top scorers of the series, aggressive at the top. His ability to handle the new ball in English conditions will be vital for India’s success.
- Joe Root (England): Composed and reliable, he’s a constant threat in high-stakes games. His experience and solid technique make him England’s go-to batter under pressure.
- Mohammad Siraj (India): Known for his fiery pace and ability to pick wickets in crucial moments. His energy and aggression can trouble England’s top order, especially with the new ball.
- Ben Stokes (England): His leadership and all-round skills are key in close games. He has a history of delivering match-winning performances under pressure.
ENG vs IND Probable Playing XIs
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharshan, Shubamn Gill (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav/Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
Conclusion
The stage is set for a dramatic finish to a thrilling series. India are under pressure but capable of bouncing back, while England will look to finish the job at home. Both teams have match-winners, and the battle at The Oval could go down to the final day.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
