Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Fifth Test: Match Preview
With a deficit of 311 runs and just eight wickets in hand in their second innings of the fourth Test vs England, India were in all likelihood to suffer a series defeat. However, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul produced, perhaps, the best partnership of the series, given the kind of high-pressure situation they were in. The pitch had an uneven bounce, and it had enough movement for the bowlers to trouble the Indian duo. However, both were quite watchful and focused only on batting throughout the fourth day of the fourth Test.
A 172-run unbeaten partnership frustrated the hosts and delighted the Indian camp as Indian remained unscathed until the end of day 4. Shubman and KL Rahul lost their wickets on the fifth day, but the spin all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar frustrated England further. So much so that they didn’t even want to bowl in the final hour and offered a handshake to call it a draw.
The fourth Test ended in a draw, but India should see it as a win, considering the position they were in at one stage. With just one Test remaining, India’s batting now looks more powerful than ever, with most of the batters having at least one century in the series. Out of the five top-run getters in the series, four are Indians, with skipper Shubman Gill leading the way. He has over 700 runs in a Test series. Not long ago in this series, numerous fingers were pointed at the Indian team management for not playing specialist bowlers and instead using all-rounders in their playing XI. After Washington Sundar’s hundred, India’s strategy isn’t likely to be questioned at least until they lose the next Test.
Washington Sundar’s addition has proved to be a masterstroke. Gautam Gambhir has often spoken highly of him, and the spin all-rounder is steadily cementing his place in the Indian team now. He should stick in the eleven for the fifth Test, but the major changing and chopping is likely to happen after number seven, apart from the forced change in Jurel coming in for Rishabh Pant. Either Akash Deep or Arshdeep is likely to replace Kamboj, who didn’t impress a lot in Manchester. There could be a possibility of both playing if Jasprit Bumrah is rested for the final Test. He has completed his quota of matches, and it remains to be seen if he will fit for the crucial encounter.
Mohammed Siraj picked up one wicket for 140 runs in a 30-over spell in the fourth Test. Overall, he has picked 14 wickets in 4 Tests, but has five in the last two Tests. Could he be rested for the final match? Chances are slim, given how important the contest is. The pundits have insisted on adding Kuldeep Yadav to the playing XI. He is in line to play his first game at the expense of Shardul Thakur. The latter, though, had an outstanding game the last time India played at the Oval. He struck two half-centuries and picked up two wickets as well.
What’s happening in the English dugout ?
England have announced their squad for the fifth Test. Jamie Overton has been drafted into the squad. Much like India, England too have its share of problems in their bowling unit. Ben Stokes admitted that they need fresh legs in their bowling, and Overton could be making his comeback. Chris Woakes has played all four Tests, and he should make way, while Gus Atkinson could come in for Brydon Carse.
Batting looks solid, and England would not be worrying too much about that aspect. Stokes and Root both scored centuries, while the openers looked in fine touch in the previous game. Ollie Pope also returned to form to score his second fifty of the series, while Jamie Smith is their highest run-getter so far.
Here’s a look at the predicted playing of both teams:
England:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Laim Dawson, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer
India:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep/Arshdeep, Mohammed Siraj
