England have called up fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton to their squad for the fifth and final Test against India, signalling a possible shake-up in their tired pace attack. Overton, who last played a Test in 2022, has been in action for Surrey in the County Championship and now returns to bolster England’s resources after their bowlers endured an exhausting fourth Test at Old Trafford.
The fourth Test, which ended in a hard-fought draw, saw England’s bowlers send down a staggering 257.1 overs across both innings. India’s gritty resistance forced the hosts into long spells under the Manchester sun, prompting captain Ben Stokes to hint at the need for reinforcements.
“If you look at the workload we’ve had, everyone is going to be pretty sore and tired heading into the last game,” Ben Stokes said after the match. “We’ll assess the group, use these two or three rest days wisely, and then decide if we need to bring in some fresh legs.”
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Stokes didn’t rule out changes, emphasising the importance of managing fatigue as the series reaches its climax. Overton’s inclusion suggests England are seriously considering rotating their bowling unit, which has remained mostly unchanged through the first four Tests.
JUST IN: England add Jamie Overton to their squad for the fifth Test against India at The Oval 🏴 pic.twitter.com/uc2A3Qxr5o
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 28, 2025
Chris Woakes has borne the brunt, delivering 167 overs—more than anyone else in the series—while Brydon Carse (155) and Ben Stokes himself (140) haven’t been spared either. Jofra Archer, though a welcome returnee, is still easing back into the red-ball format after nearly four years out, and his workload remains closely managed.
Gus Atkinson could also come into contention, having recently proven his fitness with Surrey’s second XI after a hamstring setback. Meanwhile, Josh Tongue—who remains England’s second-highest wicket-taker in the series with 11 wickets despite missing recent Tests—could also be recalled.
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Overton’s return adds another layer of depth and experience to the squad as England weigh their options for a series-deciding encounter. With the fifth Test starting July 31, all eyes will be on the final team composition and how England balances form, fitness, and freshness in a gripping finale.
England squad for the fifth Test: Ben Stokes (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
