England captain Ollie Pope won the toss and opted to bowl first in the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval.
The decision sets the tone for a high-stakes contest as both teams aim to wrap up the series with a decisive performance.
India announced four major changes to their playing XI, signalling a strategic reshuffle:
- Karun Nair steps in for all-rounder Shardul Thakur
- Prasidh Krishna replaces pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah
- Dhruv Jurel takes over wicketkeeping duties from Rishabh Pant
- Akash Deep is drafted in for Anshul Kamboj
The revised lineup reflects Team India’s intent to fortify its batting and pace attack amid evolving pitch conditions and series dynamics.
With England expected to exploit early swing-friendly conditions, India’s performance with the bat could prove crucial in shaping the match’s momentum.
The Oval pitch is likely to assist bowlers during the initial overs before easing out, putting the spotlight on India’s fresh batting order and its ability to build a solid foundation.
