Introduction: A Blockbuster Finale Awaits at The Oval
England vs India 5th Test 2025 is set to be a nail-biting conclusion to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With England leading 2-1 after thrilling battles at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, and a dramatic draw in Manchester, India, under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, aims to level the series at The Oval. The absence of England’s talisman Ben Stokes (shoulder injury) and India’s Rishabh Pant (foot fracture) adds intrigue, while Ollie Pope’s captaincy debut and Gill’s chase for a historic batting record fuel excitement.
This article on IPL Star dives deep into match details, venue insights, pitch and weather analysis, squads, key players, and fantasy tips to help you enjoy the July 31–August 4, 2025, clash. Can India repeat their 2021 Oval triumph, or will England seal the series? Let’s explore the ultimate preview!
Why You Should Read On: Get exclusive Dream11 predictions, player stats, and tactical insights to stay ahead of the game. Share your predictions in the comments below!
Match Information and Venue Details
The England vs India 5th Test 2025 kicks off at the iconic Kennington Oval, London, a venue steeped in cricketing history. Known for India’s rare victories in 1971 and 2021, The Oval promises a fitting stage for this series finale.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | England vs India, 5th Test, India Tour of England 2025 |
| Date | July 31–August 4, 2025 |
| Timings | 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM IST) |
| Session Times | Morning: 11:00–13:00; Afternoon: 13:40–15:40; Evening: 16:00–18:00 |
| Venue | Kennington Oval, London |
| Broadcast (India) | Star Sports, JioHotstar |
| Broadcast (UK) | Sky Sports |
| Broadcast (US) | Willow TV |
The Oval’s rich legacy, with its sandblasted brickwork and Alec Stewart gates, adds charm to this high-stakes encounter. Fans can plan their viewing with live updates on IPL Star or watch via streaming platforms like JioHotstar.
Pitch Report: Will Seamers or Spinners Rule The Oval?
The Oval Test pitch report 2025 is a hot topic for fans and analysts. Described as balanced with “live grass” by Ben Stokes, the pitch offers early assistance for seamers, with good bounce and carry. As the match progresses, days 3–4 may favor spinners due to surface wear, where spinners have averaged 25 wickets since 2021.
Historically, The Oval has seen high scores, like Surrey’s 820/9 in 2025, but teams bowling first have dominated recent County Championship games. England’s pace-heavy attack (Woakes, Atkinson, Overton, Tongue) and India’s six-bowler strategy, including spinners Jadeja and Sundar, will exploit these conditions.
| Pitch Stats (Since 2021) | Details |
|---|---|
| Average 1st Innings Score | 350–400 runs |
| Seamer Wickets | 60% (avg. 28.5) |
| Spinner Wickets | 40% (avg. 25.0) |
| Toss Impact | Teams bowling first won 42 of 112 Tests |
| Chase Success Rate | 40% for targets under 300 |
Tactical Insight: Captains may opt to bowl first if overcast conditions persist, but batting first could yield a big score on day 2. Check IPL Star’s pitch updates for real-time insights!
Weather Forecast: Will Rain Steal the Show?
The England vs India 5th Test weather 2025 forecast suggests a mixed bag, with light rain predicted on three days. This could disrupt play, especially on days 1 and 4, potentially favoring a draw that would hand England the series.
| Day | Weather | Temperature | Rain Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Jul 31) | Partly cloudy, afternoon showers | 18–20°C | 60% |
| Day 2 (Aug 1) | Sunny, clear | 20–22°C | 10% |
| Day 3 (Aug 2) | Clear, partly cloudy | 19–21°C | 20% |
| Day 4 (Aug 3) | Rain spells, overcast | 18–20°C | 70% |
| Day 5 (Aug 4) | Sunny, occasional clouds | 20–22°C | 15% |
Fan Tip: Rain on day 4 could shorten India’s chase if they bat second, so follow IPL Star’s live weather updates to stay informed. Historically, rain-affected Oval Tests, like 2021, have favored resilient teams like India.
Squads and Recent Performance
Both teams face significant changes due to injuries, with England missing Ben Stokes and India without Rishabh Pant and likely Jasprit Bumrah. Here’s a look at the squads and their form leading into the England vs India 5th Test 2025.
England Squad
- Players: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.
- Recent Form: England’s batting shone in Manchester (669/10, Root’s 150, Stokes’ 141), but their bowlers were stretched, bowling 257.1 overs. Ollie Pope’s captaincy debut and Jacob Bethell’s inclusion at No. 6 add fresh dynamics.
India Squad (Probable)
- Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna/Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
- Recent Form: India’s batting showed grit in Manchester (Gill’s 103, Jadeja’s 107, Sundar’s 101), securing a draw. Without Bumrah, Akash Deep and Siraj will lead the attack, while Jurel replaces Pant.
| Team | Key Performances | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| England | Root’s 150, Duckett’s 863 series runs | Fatigued bowlers, Stokes’ absence |
| India | Gill’s 906 runs, Jadeja’s all-round form | Missing Pant, Bumrah; bowling depth |
India Tour of England 2025 Schedule
Head-to-Head Record: India’s Oval Challenge
The England vs India Oval Test head-to-head record favors England, but India’s 2021 win by 157 runs offers hope. The overall rivalry is intense, with England leading in Tests but India showing resilience in recent tours.
| Head-to-Head Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Tests | England: 53 wins, India: 37 wins, 51 draws (140 matches) |
| At The Oval | England: 6 wins, India: 2 wins (1971, 2021), 7 draws (15 matches) |
| Recent Series (2025) | England: 2 wins (Headingley, Lord’s), India: 1 win (Edgbaston), 1 draw (Manchester) |
Key Moment: India’s 2021 Oval victory, driven by Virat Kohli’s leadership, saw them chase down a tough target. Can Gill replicate this magic?
Check ESPNcricinfo’s series stats for detailed records.
Key Batters to Watch in England vs India 5th Test 2025
The England vs India 5th Test 2025 will hinge on top-order performances, with several batsmen in scintillating form.
| Batter | Team | Series Runs | Average | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | India | 906 | 60.4 | 89 runs from breaking Bradman’s 810-run record |
| Joe Root | England | 3,249 vs. India | – | Two Oval centuries (149* in 2014, 125 in 2018) |
| Harry Brook | England | 781 | 45.94 | Century in series |
| KL Rahul | India | 787 | 46.29 | 1,000+ Test runs in England |
- Shubman Gill: India’s captain is on the verge of Don Bradman’s 1936/37 record for most runs in a debut series as captain (810). His 103 in Manchester shows his clutch ability.
- Joe Root: With 3,249 runs against India, Root thrives at The Oval, scoring centuries in 2014 and 2018. Expect him to anchor England’s innings.
- Harry Brook: Brook’s aggressive 781 runs, including a century, make him a game-changer.
- KL Rahul: Rahul’s consistency (four 50+ scores in the series) and 1,000+ runs in England make him India’s backbone.
Fan Poll: Who will score the most runs at The Oval? Vote in the comments!
Key Bowlers to Watch: Siraj, Woakes, and More
Bowlers will be crucial on The Oval’s seam-friendly pitch. Here are the ones to watch in the England vs India 5th Test 2025.
| Bowler | Team | Series Wickets | Economy | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Siraj | India | 34 | 3.95 | Leading India’s attack without Bumrah |
| Chris Woakes | England | – | – | 26 wickets at The Oval (avg. 25.23) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | India | – | – | Spin threat on days 3–4 |
| Gus Atkinson | England | – | – | Pace suited to Oval’s early conditions |
- Mohammed Siraj: With 34 wickets, Siraj steps up as India’s spearhead, exploiting early movement.
- Chris Woakes: Woakes’ 26 wickets at The Oval make him England’s go-to bowler, especially with Stokes absent.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja’s spin and batting (107* in Manchester) make him a dual threat.
- Gus Atkinson: Returning after injury, Atkinson’s pace could trouble India’s top order.
Key Players to Watch: Rising Stars and Veterans
Beyond batters and bowlers, these all-rounders and debutants could shape the England vs India 5th Test 2025.
| Player | Team | Role | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Bethell | England | All-rounder | Debutant at No. 6, left-arm spin |
| Washington Sundar | India | All-rounder | 101* and wickets in Manchester |
| Ollie Pope | England | Captain/Batter | 872 runs vs. India (highest 196) |
| Dhruv Jurel | India | Wicketkeeper | 816 runs in 2023-24 Ranji Trophy |
- Jacob Bethell: The 21-year-old debutant replaces Stokes, offering batting and spin. His domestic form (three 50s vs. New Zealand) is promising.
- Washington Sundar: Sundar’s 101* and dismissals of Brook and Pope in Manchester highlight his value.
- Ollie Pope: Leading England for the first time, Pope’s 872 runs against India add weight to his role.
- Dhruv Jurel: Replacing Pant, Jurel’s domestic prowess makes him a player to watch.
Follow Cricbuzz’s live commentary for real-time updates.
Fantasy Tips and Dream11 Prediction for England vs India 5th Test 2025
Fantasy cricket fans, gear up for the England vs India 5th Test 2025 with our Dream11 picks and tips tailored for The Oval’s conditions.
Dream11 Team
| Player | Role | Why Pick? |
|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (C) | Batter | 906 runs, chasing Bradman’s record |
| Joe Root | Batter | Two Oval centuries vs. India |
| Harry Brook | Batter | 781 runs, aggressive style |
| KL Rahul | Batter | Consistent 787 runs |
| Ravindra Jadeja (VC) | All-rounder | Spin and batting points |
| Washington Sundar | All-rounder | 101* and wickets in Manchester |
| Mohammed Siraj | Bowler | 34 wickets, leads India’s attack |
| Chris Woakes | Bowler | 26 wickets at The Oval |
| Akash Deep | Bowler | Replacing Bumrah, seam-friendly pitch |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper | Likely to score and keep wickets |
Fantasy Tips
- Top-Order Batsmen: Gill, Root, and Rahul thrive in batting-friendly conditions early on.
- All-rounders: Jadeja and Sundar offer batting, bowling, and fielding points.
- Seamers: Siraj and Woakes are must-haves for early wickets on the green pitch.
- Captain/Vice-Captain: Gill (form) and Jadeja (all-round value) are safe bets.
- Avoid: Lower-order batsmen like Nitish Reddy, as top-order dominates at The Oval.
Winning Prediction and Series Context
The England vs India 5th Test 2025 is a make-or-break moment. England, leading 2-1, can secure the series with a win or draw, while India needs a victory to level at 2-2, boosting their WTC 2025-27 standings (England: 3rd, 54.17%; India: 4th, 33.33%).
Prediction: England has a 55% chance of winning due to home advantage and fresh bowlers (Atkinson, Overton). However, India’s batting depth (Gill, Rahul) and resilience give them a 45% chance. Rain on days 1 and 4 could lead to a draw, favoring England.
| Team | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| England | Fresh pace attack, Root’s form | No Stokes, fatigued bowlers |
| India | Gill’s leadership, Jadeja’s all-round | No Pant, Bumrah; bowling depth concerns |
WTC Impact: A win could push England closer to the WTC final, while India needs points to climb from fourth.
Share your win prediction on X with #ENGvsIND!
Conclusion: A Test Cricket Spectacle Awaits
The England vs India 5th Test 2025 at The Oval promises drama, with Shubman Gill chasing history, Joe Root eyeing another century, and both teams battling for WTC glory. From the seam-friendly pitch to potential rain disruptions, every session will count. Our Dream11 picks, player insights, and tactical breakdowns on IPL Star equip you to enjoy this blockbuster.
Follow IPL Star for live updates, and join the conversation by commenting your Dream11 team or match predictions below. Let’s celebrate Test cricket’s magic together!
FAQs for England vs India 5th Test 2025
1. What is the schedule for the England vs India 5th Test 2025?
The England vs India 5th Test 2025 starts on July 31 and runs until August 4, 2025, at Kennington Oval, London. Matches begin at 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM IST), with sessions from 11:00–13:00, 13:40–15:40, and 16:00–18:00. Watch live on Star Sports or JioHotstar in India.
2. What is the pitch report for the Oval Test 2025?
The Oval Test pitch report 2025 indicates a balanced surface with early seam movement due to “live grass,” favoring pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Chris Woakes. Spinners like Ravindra Jadeja may dominate on days 3–4 as the pitch wears. Historically, first-innings scores average 350–400.
3. How will the weather affect the England vs India 5th Test 2025?
The England vs India 5th Test weather 2025 forecast predicts light rain on days 1 and 4, with temperatures of 18–22°C. Clear skies on days 2 and 5 could favor batting, but rain may push the match toward a draw, benefiting England’s 2-1 lead.
4. Who are the key players to watch in the 5th Test 2025?
Key players include Shubman Gill (906 runs), Joe Root (two Oval centuries), Jacob Bethell (debutant all-rounder), and Washington Sundar (101* in Manchester). Their performances could decide the England vs India 5th Test 2025 outcome.
Cricbuzz Player Stats
5. Who replaces Ben Stokes in the England squad for the 5th Test?
Jacob Bethell replaces Ben Stokes, who is sidelined by a shoulder injury for 6–7 weeks. Bethell, a 21-year-old all-rounder, bats at No. 6 and offers left-arm spin, adding depth to England’s lineup.
6. Can Shubman Gill break Don Bradman’s record in the 5th Test 2025?
Shubman Gill, with 906 runs, needs 89 runs to surpass Don Bradman’s 810-run record for a debut series as captain. His 103 in Manchester makes him a top pick for the England vs India 5th Test 2025.
7. What is the best Dream11 team for England vs India 5th Test 2025?
A top Dream11 team includes Shubman Gill (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Chris Woakes, Akash Deep, and Dhruv Jurel. Prioritize top-order batsmen and all-rounders for The Oval’s conditions.
8. What is the head-to-head record for England vs India at The Oval?
In 15 Oval Tests, England has 6 wins, India 2 (1971, 2021), and 7 draws. India’s 2021 victory by 157 runs highlights their potential to challenge England in the 5th Test 2025.
9. How does the 5th Test impact WTC 2025-27 standings?
England (3rd, 54.17% points) can solidify their WTC position with a win or draw, while India (4th, 33.33%) needs a victory to boost their chances. The England vs India 5th Test 2025 is crucial for both teams.
10. Who will win the England vs India 5th Test 2025?
England has a 55% win probability due to home advantage, but India’s resilience (45% chance) and Gill’s form make a draw or India win possible, especially if rain disrupts play.