England recall forgotten pacer after three-year Test absence for Oval decider vs India

England recall forgotten pacer after three-year Test absence for the upcoming 5th Test match against India at the Kennington Oval, London. Check out the article to know more about the bowler.

England Cricket Team (Image Credit: ECB)

After the fourth Test between England and India of the ongoing five-match Test series ended in a draw, England aren’t wasting time dwelling on what could’ve been. With one Test to go and the series delicately poised at 2-1, the hosts have turned their focus to freshening up a side that’s clearly feeling the physical toll of four hard-fought matches.

The final Test at The Oval, starting on July 31, offers England a shot at sealing a home series win against one of the world’s best sides. But doing that means being smart, not just brave. Which is why the England camp has made a small, strategic adjustment to the squad.

Jamie Overton, the pace-bowling all-rounder from Surrey, has been added to the group for the decider. Overton hasn’t played a Test since 2022, but his memorable debut knock of 97 against New Zealand in Leeds and consistent domestic form have kept him in the mix. More importantly, he brings pace, power, and familiarity with the Oval pitch, just the kind of reinforcements England might need after the heavy workload at Old Trafford.

The move comes after the likes of Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Ben Stokes shouldered a mountain of overs as India batted for 143 overs in their second innings. England’s attack looked visibly tired, and with Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson still managing their fitness, Overton’s inclusion gives the selectors options and a chance to manage fatigue heading into a high-pressure finale.

India, meanwhile, will take confidence from how they rescued the fourth Test. Unbeaten centuries from star all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, along with a captain’s knock of 103 runs from Shubman Gill and a gritty 90 from KL Rahul, helped the visitors claw their way to safety despite trailing by over 300 runs at one stage. The result may have favored neither side on the scorecard, but it tilted the psychological edge ever so slightly back toward India.

However, the Indian side probably would like to make some changes, especially in the bowling department. Debutant Anshul Kamboj looked ineffective in the match, picking up only one wicket and conceding runs at a rate of almost five. Prasidh Krishna is likely to be back in the squad as India aim to level the series 2-2 at The Oval.

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