Jamie Overton has been included in the England team for the fifth Test match against India
Jamie Overton has been included in the England team for the fifth Test match against India
India vs England 5th Test: The 31-year-old Surrey all-rounder Jamie Overton, who played only one Test match of his career in 2022, has been recalled to the 15-member England squad for the fifth and final Test against India, starting on July 31.
England has recalled Jamie Overton to their squad for the fifth and final Test against India, set to be played at The Oval. This is the only change from the squad that featured in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where India fought hard to earn a draw and keep the series alive.
Overton, who recently played in the County Championship for Surrey, joins the team as England looks to add fresh energy to their pace attack. After bowling a massive 257.1 overs across two innings in the last match, England’s bowlers are feeling the strain. Captain Ben Stokes acknowledged that fatigue is a concern, especially with just three days separating the fourth and fifth Tests.
Speaking after the game, Stokes said the team would assess everyone's fitness before making final decisions: “We’ve spent a long time in the field and bowled a lot of overs, so recovery over the next few days will be crucial. We might need fresh legs, but nothing is confirmed yet.”
England’s bowling lineup has remained fairly consistent through the series. Jofra Archer came in for Josh Tongue after two matches, and Liam Dawson replaced the injured Shoaib Bashir in the fourth Test. Chris Woakes has carried the heaviest load, bowling 167 overs so far more than any bowler from either side. Brydon Carse and Stokes have also bowled extensively, while Archer continues his comeback after four years away from Test cricket.
Gus Atkinson, who was expected to feature later in the series, may still get a chance if Woakes is rested. Atkinson recently proved his fitness after a hamstring issue and played for Surrey’s 2nd XI. Josh Tongue also remains a possible option, as he’s still England’s second-highest wicket-taker in the series with 11 scalps. A recall for Overton would mark his first Test appearance since his debut back in 2022.
To give players a break, England cancelled their Tuesday training session and will regroup at The Oval on Wednesday. With the series on the line and India ready to bounce back, the final Test promises a thrilling conclusion
England squad for the fifth Test against India
Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Jamie Overton, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue.