England Adds Overton to Squad for Decisive Test Against India

MANCHESTER: England has reinforced its pace options for the final Test against India by including all-rounder Jamie Overton in the squad. The fifth and final Test match is scheduled to commence at The Oval this Thursday.

Overton, 31, has previously participated in only one Test, against New Zealand in 2022, where he made a notable contribution of 97 runs and secured two wickets.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) verified his selection on Monday. Overton joins Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse as the sixth fast-bowling specialist in the 15-member squad.

After the fourth Test at Old Trafford concluded in a draw on Sunday, England currently holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

The fourth Test between England and India in Manchester resulted in a draw. When play concluded on the fifth day, the Indian team had accumulated 425 runs for the loss of four wickets in their second innings, thus the match concluded without a result.

In the second innings, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja each achieved centuries, ensuring India secured a draw against England in the fourth Test. Gill and KL Rahul established a strong 188-run partnership, which frustrated England’s efforts. Rahul narrowly missed a century, being dismissed for 90 by Ben Stokes. Gill went on to score a well-constructed 103 before being dismissed by Jofra Archer.

Following the departure of the set batsmen, Jadeja and Sundar combined to produce an unbroken 203-run partnership, which allowed India to avoid defeat. Jadeja remained undefeated with 107 runs, while Sundar scored 101 not out.

England’s Updated Squad for Fifth Test Against India:

  • 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