England vs India fifth Test Preview – CopyBet
This series is still on the line going into the fifth and final Test between England and India and this promises to be a fascinating finale, with the home side 2-1 in front heading to The Oval.
Test Matches
The hosts hold a 2-1 advantage ahead of the final Test and will be determined to make sure this series doesn’t slip from their grasp.
England have won two of their last three Tests at The Oval and look to have a slight edge over an India squad hit hard by fitness problems.
The home side have made just two changes to their starting line-up in the first four matches, but we could see the selectors freshen things up at The Oval.
Paceman Jamie Overton has been added to the squad and, with Gus Atkinson back fit, there look likely to be changes to the bowling attack.
England have been boosted by Ben Stokes’ post-match interviews following the Old Trafford draw, with the skipper saying it would be ‘very unlikely’ that he would miss the fifth Test.
Stokes suffered with both cramp and a shoulder problem in another inspired display in Manchester, but he looks set to lead the team again.
India have been selection decisions to make, with Rishabh Pant a major doubt with a foot injury and question marks over whether star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will feature.
The tourists admitted that the world’s top-ranked bowler couldn’t play all five Tests. He’s played three so far in this series and it remains to be seen if the 31-year-old can manage another.
Test Matches
There are still question marks over Ollie Pope’s place for this year’s Ashes series and now would be the perfect chance to cement his spot at number three.
Despite back-to-back centuries earlier this summer, the Surrey batter has scored just one half-century in the last six innings against India.
There is continuing talk that Jacob Bethell could yet get selected at three Down Under, but the management seem to be completely behind the current incumbent.
Pope, though, has a good recent Test record on his home pitch, having made 154 against Sri Lanka last year and smashed a quick-fire 66 in the win over South Africa two years earlier.
Test Matches
India skipper Shubman Gill has taken a lot of the headlines in the series so far, but KL Rahul has been almost as impressive at the top of the order.
The 33-year-old right-hander has racked up 511 runs over the first four Tests, which includes two centuries and two half-centuries.
Rahul, sat 35th in the world rankings, has seen his Test average increase to 35.88 during this series.
If India are going to have a chance of salvaging a draw, it looks like the man from Bengaluru will have to hang around at the crease for a long stint in the first innings.