IND vs ENG Oval Test Live: The iconic Kennington Oval in London is set to host the high-stakes final match of the five-Test series between India and England starting today. With England holding a 2-1 lead in the series, the fifth and final Test is nothing short of a do-or-die battle for the Indian cricket team.
After a hard-fought draw in the fourth Test, England still retains their edge. A win or even a draw in the fifth Test will hand them the series. But for India, it’s a clear mandate — win to level the series 2-2 or return home defeated.
In a significant decision at the toss, England’s stand-in captain Ollie Pope opted to bowl first on a pitch that promises early assistance to seamers. The overcast conditions in London are expected to aid swing in the initial hours, making the first session crucial for the Indian openers.
Team Compositions: Fresh Faces, Bold Decisions
Both teams have made brave choices in their playing elevens. Team India, under the young leadership of Shubman Gill, has gone with a mix of experience and emerging talent. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will open the innings, while Gill will anchor the middle order. Debutant Anshul Kamboj finds a place in the bowling unit alongside seasoned campaigners like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
India Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (capt), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Anshul Kamboj, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
On the English side, Joe Root returns to his natural No. 4 slot, with Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell offering depth in the middle order. Jamie Smith retains his place as the wicketkeeper. Their pace attack — led by Chris Woakes and supported by Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson — looks threatening, especially under overcast skies.
England Playing XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (capt), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.
India’s Oval Record: Not the Happiest Hunting Ground
Historically, India’s track record at The Oval hasn’t been stellar. Out of the 14 Tests played here prior to this match, India has managed to win only two, lost six, and drawn six. The last time India won at this venue was in 2021 under Virat Kohli’s leadership — a rare feat that this Gill-led side will aim to replicate.
