England vs India 5th Test predictions: Super Stokes to guide England to Oval glory
Steve Palmer
England and India drew the 4th Test in Manchester
Ben Stokes' men lead the series 2-1 with one Test to play
Recommended bet: England to win
An absorbing series between England and India goes down to the wire with all to play for at The Oval in the fifth and final Test.
England lead 2-1 but failed to wrap up the series in Manchester courtesy of some spirited last-day defiance from the India batters.
Ben Stokes' side are 23/20 to finish the job in South London where India, who won at The Oval on their last visit in 2021, are a 5/2 chance.
Team news
Jamie Overton has been drafted in by England, who are sure to make changes to their pace attack.
Chris Woakes is almost certain to be rested while Brydon Carse could also make way with Josh Tongue perhaps getting a recall.
India insist Jasprit Bumrah will be fit for the final Test, despite the quick turnaround from Manchester. Druv Juhrel will keep wicket with Rishabh Pant injured.
The stats
England and India have met 14 times at The Oval in Test matches with half of them ending in draws. India have won just two, including the most recent match in 2021.
India captain Shubman Gill is the series top scorer with 722 runs.
Ben Stokes, the England captain, is the leading bowler with 17 wickets.
The latest England vs India odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
It has been a fascinating, high-scoring, sometimes tetchy Test series between England and India and it should finish with a bang at The Oval.
England go into the game in the box seat with a 2-1 lead knowing they cannot lose.
India, though, have to feel empowered after their magnificent escape at Old Trafford and will back themselves to level up.
England are favourites but toiled on the final day in Manchester ahead of a quick turnaround to the series finale.
That is a definite negative against England, though India also have issues, and possibly more significant.
First, Jasprit Bumrah's workload is being managed but India will almost certainly risk their star seamer.
Yet Bumrah, who only had to bowl one innings in Manchester, looked as close to average as he ever has, taking two for 112 off 33 overs.
Second, and critically, exciting keeper-batter Rishabh Pant is out with injury and replacement Drub Juhrel, understandably, is not in the same class.
England need to freshen up their pace attack so Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton may well both play; India have fewer options.
