ENG vs IND 5th Test: Playing XI, Injury Updates & Key Selection Changes

As the England vs India 5th Test 2025 kicks off on July 31 at The Oval, all eyes are on the final playing XIs and key team developments. With England holding a 2–1 lead in the series, the fifth Test will be the definitive match in the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy and the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

England Squad & Playing XI Updates

Squad Confirmation

• Jamie Overton has been added to England's squad for the first time since 2022, offering fresh bowling depth. This is the only change from the fourth Test squad.
   
• Veteran fast bowlers Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue are all in contention as part of the 15-member squad.
   

Probable Playing XI

1. Zak Crawley
    
2. Ben Duckett
    
3. Ollie Pope (vice‑captain)
    
4. Joe Root
    
5. Harry Brook
    
6. Ben Stokes (captain)
    
7. Jamie Smith (wk)
    
8. Jofra Archer
    
9. Chris Woakes
    
10. Josh Tongue
     
11. Jamie Overton*
     

*Overton may replace Tongue or Archer depending on rotation and conditions.

Injury Note

• Ben Stokes is playing despite a bicep tendon issue and general fatigue after bowling over 894 overs in the home series—the most since 1951. But he insists: “likelihood I won’t play is very unlikely”.
   

India Squad & Playing XI Updates

Wicketkeeper Change

• Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the Oval Test after fracturing his right foot during the fourth Test. Despite heroic batting efforts in Manchester, he will not play the final match.
   
• Narayan Jagadeesan has been called up to the squad, but Dhruv Jurel is the likelier keeper to walk in the playing XI, having already kept in his absence during Tests 3 and 4.
   

Probable Playing XI

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
    
2. KL Rahul
    
3. Shubman Gill (captain)
    
4. Abhimanyu Easwaran / Sai Sudharsan
    
5. Ravindra Jadeja
    
6. Washington Sundar
    
7. Dhruv Jurel (wk)
    
8. Mohammed Siraj
    
9. Jasprit Bumrah / Akash Deep
    
10. Kuldeep Yadav*
     
11. Shardul Thakur
     

*Kuldeep Yadav may replace Shardul or Bumrah depending on spin assistance expected at The Oval.

Key Storylines & Selection Talking Points

Stokes’ Fitness vs Workload

• Captain Ben Stokes remains committed to leading from the front despite injury concerns, voicing his willingness to play through discomfort. England’s bowling group has significantly pushed their physical limits this series.
   

India’s Keeper Dilemma

• Absence of Pant is a massive blow. Dhruv Jurel brings prior experience from recent Tests and is expected to step in. Jagadeesan offers backup wicketkeeping options outside the XI.
   

Spin or Seam at The Oval?

• With Stokes and Archer likely featuring, England may lean on seam strength. India may introduce Kuldeep Yadav to counter England's lower order or replace Shardul Thakur if conditions favour spin.
   

Tactical Preview

Factor	England Strategy	India Strategy
Bowling rotation	Add Overton to manage fatigue among pacers	Bumrah or Deep depending on form and rest
Wicketkeeping	Smith likely in XI; Pope stays vice-captain	Jurel in, with Jagadeesan as backup
Spin options	Woakes flexible, Overton adds seam power	Kuldeep may be included for control in mid overs

Final Word

The England vs India 5th Test is more than just a series decider—it’s a test of depth, adaptability, and leadership resilience. With Stokes playing through injury and India forced into wicketkeeping changes, both teams will depend on their core performers to carry pressure. England could seal a home series win for the first time since 2018, while India has the potential to level the series with bold calls around Kuldeep or Finch strategy.

Stay tuned for the final XI confirmations—but one thing’s sure: expect drama, determination, and Test cricket at its best at The Oval.