England have made just one change to their squad for the decisive fifth Test of the 2025 series against India. All‑rounder Jamie Overton has been brought back into the 15‑member side for the match starting July 31 at The Oval. This is Overton’s first involvement in Test cricket since June 2022. When he played his only Test for England at Headingley scoring a magnificent 97 and taking two wickets during that lone appearance.
Standing at 6′5″, the Surrey paceman provides both batting depth and seam‑bowling options, making him an ideal candidate to help balance the injury‑stretched England seam attack. Skipper Ben Stokes had flagged the urgent need for fresh legs after the front‑line bowlers grinded through a gruelling 257 overs in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and returning pace spearhead Jofra Archer have carried a heavy workload through the series to date. Woakes alone has bowled 167 overs, while Archer just returning from a four‑year break has compiled his heaviest outing ever at Old Trafford with 49.1 overs. Stokes acknowledged that after their exertions, rotation or reinforcement may be essential ahead of the turnaround to Oval.
Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue already in the squad but unused at Old Trafford are the likely competition for places. Atkinson recently returned from hamstring injury with a strong outing in Surrey’s Second XI. While Tongue has taken 11 wickets in the series so far but has struggled with consistency.
The Oval Test
Overton’s inclusion is not only about workload management. As a local Surrey player, he brings familiarity with the conditions at The Oval. He rejoined Surrey permanently in 2021. After a loan spell, and has seen strong county form throughout the current season—and even featured for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.
Selectors have retained all 14 members from the squad that fielded at Old Trafford, with Overton being the single addition to the group. This inclusion reflects the confidence the selectors and Stokes have in his ability to contribute, despite his limited international exposure.
At 31 years old, Overton ticks the box of experience and readiness. His return underscores England’s urgent need for fresh pace support and batting flexibility in the middle to lower order. If he makes the XI, it could be a pivotal chance to shrug off the “one‑cap wonder” tag and establish himself firmly in the Test frame.
With the five‑match series poised at 2‑1 in England’s favour. The Oval Test promises to be the decider. Overton’s role whether as a squad reserve or a playing option will be pivotal in how England manage their pace resources with a tilt at sealing the series on home turf.
