England has announced a significantly altered playing XI for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, starting tomorrow.
In a major development, Ollie Pope will captain England, stepping in for the injured Ben Stokes.
The team features four changes from the side that secured a hard-fought draw at Old Trafford.
Gutted for the skipper, who misses out on our final Test of the summer 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LgtwXPqntE
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2025
The series is poised at 2-1 in England's favour, setting up a thrilling finale to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
With the focus firmly on fresh legs and tactical adjustments, the selectors and coaching staff have made bold decisions.
Beyond Stokes' absence, three other players from the Old Trafford XI make way, indicating a clear strategy to manage workload and bring in fresh firepower.
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Jamie Overton IN for Brydon Carse: Overton's inclusion was confirmed in the squad, and now he goes straight into the playing XI.
His pace and home ground knowledge will be vital, as will his lower-order batting. Carse, who has played all four Tests and looked fatigued at Old Trafford, is rested.
Gus Atkinson IN for Jofra Archer: Another significant change sees Jofra Archer, who made his long-awaited Test comeback this series, being managed out of the final Test.
Atkinson, known for his express pace, gets his chance on his home ground at The Oval.
Josh Tongue IN for Liam Dawson: The decision means England will go with an all-pace attack, with Liam Dawson, the lone specialist spinner from Old Trafford, making way.
Tongue, who impressed earlier in the series, returns to add another dimension to the pace battery.
Jacob Bethell IN for Ben Stokes: With Stokes' injury, the young all-rounder Jacob Bethell steps into the middle order, providing a left-handed batting option and further spin potential if needed.
England's Confirmed XI for The Oval:
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope (c)
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jacob Bethell
Jamie Smith (wk)
Chris Woakes
Gus Atkinson
Jamie Overton
Josh Tongue
The changes underscore England's determination to maintain a high-intensity attack despite the gruelling nature of back-to-back Tests.
With a different captain at the helm and a revamped bowling unit, the stage is set at The Oval for a captivating conclusion to what has been a truly enthralling Test series.