RCB All-rounder Included for 5th Test Against India as England Announced Playing 11

The 5th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England began on July 31, 2025, at The Oval, London. Currently, England leads the five-match series 2-1 after winning the 3rd Test at Lord’s by a narrow margin of 22 runs. India must win this Test to stay alive in the series.
England captain Ben Stokes had a wonderful performance in the 4th Test, which ended in a draw on Day 5. The pitch at the Oval is known to help fast bowlers early on, and it will be interesting to see how the visitors perform on this tricky pitch.

As the match goes on, spinners may come into play. Light rain is in the forecast on all days, so there could be some interruptions. England is ahead in the series and wants to seal it with a win. India must win to level the series 2-2.

England Squad For 5th Test Against India

England's squad for the fifth Test against India features a mix of experience and young talent, which has given great results to the team so far. Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the 5th Test due to a shoulder injury, and now Ollie Pope will lead the side. England has announced its playing 11 ahead of the match, and a total of 4 changes have been made.

Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Liam Dawson have been dropped from the bowling lineup. Jacob Bethell is the fourth change and will bat at number 6. England have included Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue in the side. Ben Duckett has been in good form and has received good support from Zak Crawley. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has also done well whenever he has had the opportunity to do so.

Here is the full playing 11 of England for the 5th Test against India.

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Jamie Overton, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue.

England Playing 11 for 5th Test

England made just one change from the team that won at Lord’s as Liam Dawson replaced Shoaib Bashir, who got injured during the 3rd Test. Bashir fractured his finger while fielding during the Lord’s Test. Dawson was rewarded with a comeback after his strong performance in the County Championship, where he has 21 wickets from 9 matches this season. He had a tough fourth Test, where he picked up a solitary wicket in the whole match.

There have been four changes in England's Playing XI for the 5th Test at The Oval. With the bowlers tired after a gruelling series, Josh Tongue finds his way back into the Playing 11. Due to an ordinary outing, Dawson has been dropped for the 5th Test. Meanwhile, the hosts also included Jacob Bethell to add batting depth to their Playing 11.

• Zak Crawley
• Ben Duckett
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook
• Jacob Bethell
• Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
• Gus Atkinson
• Chris Woakes
• Jamie Overton
• Josh Tongue

Will India Make Any Changes for 5th Test?

India are expected to make several changes due to injuries as Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rishabh Pant, are all ruled out of the match. Anshul Kamboj, a young fast bowler from Haryana, was handed a debut Cap in the 4th Test where he took a wicket. If Arshdeep gets fit, Kamboj will have to sit out.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, who was uncertain due to fitness, might not be included in the playing XI. Furthermore, Dhruv Jurel will replace Pant and will also be in charge of keeping the wickets. India’s captain Shubman Gill has a big challenge in front of him. His side is under pressure but will be determined to fight back and level the series.