The stage is set for a cricketing classic as England and India gear up for the fifth and final Test at The Oval, London, beginning July 31, 2025. With both cricketing heavyweights pushing for a memorable series finish, this Test is not just about national pride, but also about redemption and resilience. India, trailing 2-1 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, enters under significant scrutiny and pressure to level the series against a formidable England side.
India to enter in the Oval Test under immense pressure
India’s campaign in this series has been a rollercoaster, with fraught moments and dramatic recoveries. After a near-miraculous fightback in Manchester that resulted in a jaw-dropping draw, India still find themselves a step behind Ben Stokes’ England, who have maintained control after emphatic wins at Headingley and Lord’s. As the Indian camp arrived in London, any hope for calm before the final showdown was dashed by a heated altercation involving head coach Gautam Gambhir and The Oval’s lead groundsman, Lee Fortis.
Gambhir’s frustration became headline news when, during an inspection of the pitch ahead of the match, he engaged in a verbal exchange with Fortis, objecting to the rigid restrictions being placed by ground staff regarding the practice area.
Video footage revealed Gambhir sternly asserting his point, telling Fortis, “You’re just a groundsman, you can’t tell us what to do,” a retort widely circulated in the cricketing press. Such a fiery confrontation overshadowed India’s final preparations and set social media abuzz, adding another layer of tension to a side already under pressure. Gambhir’s outburst reflected the mounting anxiety and sky-high stakes as India desperately seeks to salvage the series – with his intensity spilling over from closed-door meetings to the very outfield of The Oval.
Also READ: Why Gautam Gambhir got into a heated verbal spat with Oval pitch curator Lee Fortis? | ENG vs IND
Wasim Jaffer predicts India’s playing XI for the Oval Test against England
Amidst the off-field drama, the discussion about India’s playing XI has intensified. Enter Wasim Jaffer, the former opener and seasoned analyst, whose choices for the final Test have caused a stir of their own. Jaffer’s predicted lineup signals a clear intent: inject youth, reward grit, and focus on a balanced attack—while leaving out established pacer Shardul Thakur.
Jaffer’s XI consists of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to open, followed by the promising B Sai Sudharsan at number three. Shubman Gill, in commanding form and captain’s role, anchors at four, with Dhruv Jurel—whose wicketkeeping and lower-order batting have impressed—slotted at five. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja brings balance at six, supported by the industrious Washington Sundar at seven, whose resilience was on display in the drawn fourth Test.
The spin department is strengthened with Kuldeep Yadav, whose wrist spin could prove crucial on a typically wearing Oval surface. The pace battery, notably missing Thakur, is comprised of Mohammad Siraj’s relentless energy, Arshdeep Singh’s left-arm variety, and Akash Deep’s emerging pace. This combination, according to Jaffer, offers potency with the new ball and versatility as the pitch deteriorates.
As the Oval Test approaches, Jaffer’s selection reflects India’s fighting spirit in adversity. The onus is now on Gill’s young brigade to silence critics, overcome adversity, and write a valiant final chapter in this gripping series.
My India XI for Oval Test:
1. Yashasvi
2. KL
3. Sai
4. Shubman (c)
5. Jurel (wk)
6. Jadeja
7. Washington
8. Kuldeep
9. Siraj
10. Arshdeep
11. AkashdeepWhat’s yours? #ENGvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 30, 2025
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Here’s how India have fared in Test matches at the Oval in London
