Jamie Overton Joins England Squad for Final Test Against India at Oval

England has added all-rounder Jamie Overton to their team for the fifth and final Test against India, which will begin on Thursday at The Oval. The announcement was made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) through an official statement.

The England Men’s selection panel has included Surrey all-rounder Jamie Overton in the squad for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, starting Thursday, July 31, the statement said.

Overton’s inclusion comes after a draining fourth Test, where Indian batters made a strong comeback. Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar each scored a century, turning India’s 311-run deficit into a 114-run lead and helping the team draw the match. India’s 143-over innings was physically and mentally exhausting for the English bowlers, who even showed frustration near the end by asking Sundar and Jadeja to finish their centuries and agree to a draw.

England Squad and Match Highlights

England’s squad for the final Test includes-

Ben Stokes (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes.

In the 4th Test, England won the toss and chose to field first. India posted a total of 358, thanks to key innings from Yashasvi Jaiswal (58), Sai Sudharsan (61), and Rishabh Pant (54). Stokes impressed with 5 wickets for 72 runs, while Archer took 3 for 73.

England gave a strong reply. Zak Crawley (84) and Ben Duckett (94) started with a 166-run partnership. Then, Joe Root scored 150 and Ben Stokes made 141, helping England post a big total of 669. Jadeja picked up 4 wickets, while Bumrah managed just 2, having a tough outing.

India’s Strong Comeback Keeps Series Alive

In their second innings, India had a shaky start with Chris Woakes removing both openers for zero. However, KL Rahul (90) and Shubman Gill (103) put on a strong 188-run partnership that steadied the innings. Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (101*) added further pressure with their unbeaten centuries, leading India to 425/4 and a lead of 114 runs before the match ended in a draw. India’s resistance forced the game into a stalemate, leaving the series score at 1-2. The last Test at The Oval on July 31 will decide if India can tie the series or if England will win it.