Credit: BCCI/RevSportz/X
After a stable batting performance in its second innings from a setback of 0/2, India secured a draw against England at Old Trafford in Mancehster in the fourth Test of the five-match series. With an early loss of two consecutive wickets, and a lead of over 300, England started well, seemingly looking set to wrap up the Test and the series. But the gritty knocks of Shubman Gill (103), KL Rahul (90), and unbeaten centuries of Ravindra Jadeja (107) and Washington Sundar (101) changed the course of the game. This draw pushed England’s quest to clinch the series further to the fifth and final Test match set to be played at The Oval at London, but they still have a 2-1 lead.
On Monday, July 28, the Indian cricket team arrived in London to contest the fifth and the final Test of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, scheduled from July 31 onwards. According to a report from RevSportz, the team arrived at London via a train journey from Manchester. The report further states that as part of the security arrangement, the whole platform was vacated with a designated exit point for the team from the fire exit. From tomorrow, the team will reportedly start their preparations for the match.
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Narayan Jagadeesan has received his maiden Test call-up post Rishabh Pant’s injury
The Indian squad, led by the young captain Shubman Gill, faces challenges as they prepare for The Oval Test. Rishabh Pant, a key figure in India’s batting lineup, will be absent due to a toe fracture sustained in Manchester, with Narayan Jagadeesan replacing him in the squad. Many reports also claim that Dhruv Jurel might get a chance as well in the playing eleven for the fifth Test. Indian bowling side is also facing the set of its own challenges with Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep’s injury woes, and a pending decision of Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion for the fifth Test with the initial plan to manage his workload.
England, meanwhile, have bolstered their squad with the addition of Jamie Overton for the fifth Test, signaling their intent to maintain their aggressive “Bazball” approach under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. Despite Stokes' battling cramp and a shoulder injury in Manchester, he is likely to play, with his leadership and all-round ability crucial for England’s bid to secure the series. The Oval, known for its batting-friendly surface, could favor Indian batters who have appeared to be in a good touch so far in this series. India’s last series in England in 2021 ended in a 2-2 draw, with Rohit Sharma’s century at The Oval proving decisive.
