England v India | 5th Test
Venue: The Kennington Oval, London
Dates: July 31 – August 4
Start Time: 12:00 PM
The stakes couldn’t be higher as England and India meet in the fifth and final Test at The Oval from July 31 to August 4, with the home side leading the series 2-1. A win or a draw will seal the series for England, while India must secure victory to walk away with a drawn series.
This gripping five-match Test series has seen momentum swing dramatically. England took an early advantage, but India showed real fight to claim a win and then dominate the drawn fourth Test. All eyes are now on the Oval, where the conditions – and the clouds – could yet play a defining role.
England will be without captain Ben Stokes, sidelined due to a bicep injury. In his absence, Ollie Pope will lead the side. England’s pace attack has also been rotated, with Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Liam Dawson rested. Their places are taken by Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue.
Notably, England will head into this deciding Test without a specialist spinner, with part-timers Joe Root and Jacob Bethell – who replaces Stokes – expected to share the slow bowling duties.
India’s XI remains largely settled, with in-form players peaking at just the right time under the assured leadership of Shubman Gill.
The Oval is steeped in Test history, having hosted 112 matches since 1880. Traditionally, it offers a good surface for batting before deteriorating later on. Of those 112 Tests: batting first has produced 42 wins; batting second, 30. The average first innings score is 338. The record team total at the venue remains England’s 903 for 7 declared against Australia in 1938 – a game where Sir Len Hutton scored 364.
India have played 15 Tests at The Oval, winning just twice, drawing seven, and losing six. Their most recent visit was the 2023 WTC Final, which ended in a 209-run defeat to Australia. The last time they faced England at the ground, however, they secured a 157-run victory.
England have played 106 Tests at The Oval, winning 45, losing 24, and drawing 37.
There’s some rain in the forecast throughout the five days, particularly on Days 1, 2, 4, and 5. While consistent downpours aren’t expected, frequent showers may cause interruptions. Day 3 looks relatively clear and could be crucial for both sides. Temperatures will hover around 23°C.
England’s recent form reads: Draw, Win, Loss, Win, Win. India’s: Draw, Loss, Win, Loss, Loss.
The former England captain Joe Root has been exceptional this series, racking up 403 runs at an average of 67.16. Root has now overtaken Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, and Rahul Dravid in the all-time Test run-scorers list, cementing his place as one of the modern greats. With Stokes missing, Root will shoulder greater responsibility both with the bat and the ball.
India’s new skipper Shubman Gill has had a sensational series, scoring 722 runs at an average of 90.25, including four centuries. Beyond the numbers, it’s Gill’s leadership, tactical acumen, and cool head under pressure that have set the tone for India’s fightback. If India are to square the series, Gill will likely be central to the outcome.
Betting odds suggest a close contest: England at 31/20, the draw at 33/20, and India at 9/4.
While England hold the lead, momentum seems to be with India, especially after their strong showing in the fourth Test. The absence of Ben Stokes and a specialist spinner weakens England’s balance. Meanwhile, Gill’s India appear hungry and united.
Verdict: Expect India to push hard for the win and level the series at 2-2.