Ahead of the highly anticipated fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on young English talent Jacob Bethell, calling him a future superstar of the game. With Ben Stokes ruled out due to a shoulder injury, the 21-year-old Bethell is likely to be handed his maiden Test cap — a move that Ashwin believes could be a turning point for English cricket.
“The cricketing world will witness a new superstar in the fifth Test,” Ravichandran Ashwin said during a podcast. “I have no doubt he’ll become one — yes, I’m talking about Jacob Bethell. He’s an exceptional talent, brilliant with the bat and useful with his left-arm spin.”
Ravi Ashwin “We’ll get to see a cricketing superstar in the 5th Test. I have no doubt he’ll become one – yes, I’m talking about Jacob Bethell. I truly believe he’s an exceptional talent: brilliant with the bat and handy with his left-arm bowling.”
Anna ykb @ashwinravi99 ❤️🫶 pic.twitter.com/pMTjNnheqQ— Vinay (@yaarkyakaruu) July 31, 2025
Ashwin’s endorsement of Bethell adds extra intrigue to the final Test of a thrilling series that currently sees England leading 2-1. For India, a win at The Oval is a must if they hope to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
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The series has seen momentum swing both ways. England started strong with a five-wicket win at Headingley, but India bounced back in style with a massive 336-run win at Edgbaston.
The hosts regained the upper hand at Lord’s with a narrow 22-run victory, while the rain-hit fourth Test at Old Trafford ended in a draw. Shubman Gill has led India from the front with the bat, ably supported by experienced campaigners like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja.
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However, the team has suffered a blow with Pant ruled out of the final match due to a fractured foot. Narayan Jagadeesan has been drafted into the squad as his replacement. With everything to play for, the Oval Test promises to be a fitting finale to a gripping series.
