England have moved to fortify its fast-bowling resources ahead of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, calling up fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton. The inclusion of Overton signals England’s intent to inject fresh impetus and provide much-needed cover to a pace attack that endured a gruelling workout during the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford. With the series on the line, the hosts are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to register a victory or draw that would see them clinch the series.
England reinforces their pace battery
The decision to bring Overton into the squad comes in the wake of an arduous fourth Test in Manchester, where England’s bowlers spent a staggering 143 overs in the field across the final two days as India successfully batted out for a draw.
The workload has been particularly heavy on Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, both of whom have featured in all four Tests of the current series. Jofra Archer, making his long-awaited return from a four-year injury lay-off, has also played in two matches, adding to the cumulative fatigue within the fast-bowling department. The tight turnaround between matches further complicates matters, with England concluding play late on Sunday evening in Manchester and the decisive Test commencing just three days later on Thursday. Overton, who earned his sole Test cap in 2022, joins Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue as the additional pace options in the expanded England squad, highlighting the management’s concern over bowler fitness and readiness.
While Overton’s call-up provides depth, there remains an element of uncertainty surrounding the match readiness of some of England’s pace reserves. Overton, now 31, has had limited first-class cricket recently, having played only one match since May. This reduced game time is partly attributed to a finger injury sustained while representing England in an ODI against West Indies earlier in the summer. His last Test appearance was in 2022, meaning his return to the longest format would be a significant step up in intensity after a period of relative inactivity in red-ball cricket.
Gus Atkinson, a promising 27-year-old, enjoyed a breakthrough Test season in 2024, claiming an impressive 52 wickets. However, his current summer has been marred by injury. A hamstring issue sustained during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe has kept him out of first-class contention for over two months.
Josh Tongue, also 27, has more recent Test experience, having played in the first two matches of the series against India and taking 11 wickets. He has remained within the England squad throughout and was recently released to participate in the final two days of Nottinghamshire’s County Championship fixture at Hampshire, suggesting he is closer to full match fitness.
Considering the fitness of captain Ben Stokes, possibility of all three — Overton, Atkinson, and Tongue — being drafted into the playing XI for the final Test is not being ruled out.
Also READ: WTC 2025-27: Updated points table after ENG vs IND 4th Test
England’s squad for the Oval 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, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
