The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has recalled all-rounder Jamie Overton for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, starting Thursday, 31 July. Overton’s inclusion marks the only change to the squad that featured in the drawn fourth Test in Manchester.
The 31-year-old, who was released ahead of the Manchester Test, returns to the squad for the series decider at his home ground. He recently featured in a first-class match for Surrey after recovering from a finger injury sustained during an ODI against the West Indies.
England’s decision to bring Overton back follows a physically taxing fourth Test, where the bowlers toiled for 257.1 overs across two innings, including 143 overs in the final two days. After the match, captain Ben Stokes admitted that the team might need fresh legs for the finale.
Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have played all four matches, while Jofra Archer featured in the last two. Stokes, who has already bowled the most overs in a bilateral series in his career, looked visibly fatigued on Day 5 in Manchester.
With a tight turnaround between matches, England are expected to rotate their bowling attack. Josh Tongue, who played the first two Tests, could return, while uncapped Surrey duo Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton are also strong contenders for a spot in the XI.
England Squad for Fifth Test vs India:
Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Jamie Overton.
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