ENG vs IND 5th Test: How Team India Can Script a Turnaround to Level the Anderson-Tendulkar 2025 Series Against England?

Team India pulled off a miraculous draw at Manchester to keep their slim hopes of drawing level in the 5-match test series. With England leading the five-match series 2-1, Team India enters the Oval Test with everything at stake. Historically, the Oval has witnessed both magic and misfires from touring sides, but if India gets its combination and strategy right, the final Test could mark a decisive comeback. From tweaking the bowling attack to solving top-order puzzles, India has crucial decisions to make. Let’s break down how they can mount the fightback and clinch a series-leveling win.

Anshul Kamboj Should Make Way for Either Arshdeep Singh or Akashdeep

Anshul Kamboj’s Test debut in Manchester was a havoc for the youngster. He came in as an injury replacement for Akashdeep, who bagged the man of the match award in India’s famous win in the second test at Edgbaston. However, with Akashdeep expected to get fit ahead of the fifth Test, and so is Arshdeep Singh, Kamboj keeping his place in the eleven after an underwhelming debut seems highly unlikely. Given the pitch’s responsiveness early on, India might lean toward a pacer who can exploit the lateral movement more effectively.

Arshdeep Singh offers left-arm variety and is highly proficient in swinging the ball both ways. His ability to extract movement, especially under cloudy conditions, makes him a smart pick.
Akashdeep, on the other hand, brings skiddiness, something that can trouble England’s middle order, especially if the surface flattens out.

Both bowlers have impressed in India A tours and domestic red-ball cricket. Arshdeep’s county stint in England also adds to his credentials. Considering England’s top-heavy batting lineup, replacing Kamboj with either of these two could inject bite into India’s pace arsenal.

Bumrah Should Play the Final Test Despite a Heavy Workload

Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s heartbeat throughout the series. Despite concerns around workload management, leaving him out for the finale could go against the team, especially with a chance to square the series.

Bumrah’s record in England speaks for itself. His reverse swing mastery, ability to bowl sharp bouncers, and unrelenting discipline are tailor-made for the Oval surface.
His presence is more than just numbers. England’s batters play differently when Bumrah is around, often resorting to caution and misjudgment.

If workload is an issue, India might consider using him in shorter bursts, five-over spells with clear attacking plans. His mentorship for other pacers like Siraj or Akashdeep could also be vital on-field.

Will India go with 3 spinners in the eleven? Should Kuldeep Yadav Get a Chance?

The Oval pitch historically assists spinners as the game progresses, especially from Day 3 onwards. India has stuck with two spinners so far, but with the weather forecast suggesting dry conditions, a third spinner could prove decisive.

Why Kuldeep Yadav Deserves a Shot:

England’s aggression against off-spin has often come at the cost of vulnerability against wrist-spin.
Kuldeep offers unpredictability and variation in pace and trajectory, traits that trouble batters looking to score quickly.
His recent performances in red-ball matches have showcased maturity and control.

Who Should Make Way?

Ravindra Jadeja remains undroppable for his all-round abilities.
Shardul Thakur, after being underutilized at times with the ball, seems the only likely option to sit out for Kuldeep Yadav.

If India does go with three spinners, Kuldeep could be the X-factor, especially in the second innings when turn and bounce peak.

Dhruv Jurel Set to Replace an Injured Rishabh Pant: What Does It Mean for India’s Batting?

Rishabh Pant’s absence from the final Test is a huge blow for Team India. The flamboyant left-hander has historically brought audacity and momentum to India’s innings. In his place, Dhruv Jurel steps in, young, composed, and technically sound.

Positives with Jurel:

He offers calm and calculated shot selection, which could be vital in England’s swing-friendly conditions.
His domestic form has been consistent, and he’s shown the ability to build partnerships under pressure.

However, what India will miss is:

Pant’s counterattacking flair in sessions where the game drifts.
His ability to take the attack to spinners at will.

That said, Jurel’s keeping skills and temperament can provide the much-needed stability in the lower middle order. If India’s top 6 deliver, Jurel can play a support role that may quietly become match-defining.

The No. 3 Conundrum: Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran?

This might be the most pressing dilemma for Team India going into the final Test. Ever since Team India landed in England, they have been on a mission to find stability at no. 3. After trying Karn Nair and Sai Sudharsan for two games each at no. 3, India is still looking for solutions. The team does have a technically sound Abhimanyu Easwaran in their ranks, but will the batter from Bengal make his much-awaited Test debut at the Oval? Or will the IPL contract of Sai Sudharsan once again weigh over the talented right-hander?

The Case for Abhimanyu Easwaran:

Easwaran has consistently averaged close to 48 in India’s domestic circuit, facing tough attacks on challenging surfaces.
He’s been a regular in India A tour and has scored heavily in away conditions. He has even led the side.
Since his first India call-up, 15 players have debuted, while Easwaran waits patiently, making this the ideal moment to reward his perseverance.

Given India’s urgent need for someone to bat long and arrest collapses, Easwaran seems like the more natural fit, especially in Oval conditions where grafting and patience matter more than stroke play early on.

Final XI Suggestion

Here’s what India’s optimal playing XI could look like based on current form and conditions:

Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Sai Sudharsan/Abhimanyu Easwaran
Shubman Gill (C)
Ravindra Jadeja
Dhruv Jurel (WK)
Washington Sundar
Kuldeep Yadav/Arshdeep Singh
Akashdeep
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj

Key Tactical Focus Areas

Session-wise planning: Avoid letting one bad session spiral into collapse, as seen in the 1st and 3rd Test.
Spin choke on Day 4/5: A trio of Jadeja, Washington, and Kuldeep can build pressure while drying up runs.
Bat deep into Day 2: India’s top-order must blunt England’s attack early and set up the game.

For the second time in a row, Team India is chasing to draw level in a 5-match test series against England in their backyard. Will Team India’s resilience pave the way for success, or will England’s grit and familiar conditions get the better of the visitors? All these questions will be answered in the 5th and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the iconic Oval Cricket Ground in London.