England include star all rounder in squad for fifth Test against India

England have strengthened their pace attack for the final Test against India by adding all-rounder Jamie Overton to the squad. The fifth and last match of the series will be played at The Oval, starting Thursday.

The 31-year-old Overton has played only one Test so far, which came against New Zealand in 2022. In that game, he impressed with both bat and ball, scoring 97 runs and taking two wickets.

His selection was confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday. Overton becomes the sixth specialist fast bowler in England’s 15-member squad, joining Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse.

England are currently leading the series 2-1 after the fourth Test at Old Trafford ended in a draw. India were in a strong position in the final innings, scoring 425 for 4 when the match concluded on the fifth day.

India’s innings was powered by centuries from Shubman Gill (103), Washington Sundar (101*), and Ravindra Jadeja (107*), while KL Rahul added 90 runs. Jadeja and Sundar put together an unbeaten 203-run partnership to help India avoid defeat.

The five-match series now moves to its decider at The Oval, where both teams will aim to finish on a high.

England squad for fifth Test:

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, Chris Woakes.