England vs India fifth Test LIVE commentary: Dates, start time, team news and where to watch decisive series finale

Jul 28, 2025 - 10:59
England vs India fifth Test LIVE commentary: Dates, start time, team news and where to watch decisive series finale

England will look to secure a series victory against India this week as the decisive final Test match takes place at The Oval.

Ben Stokes made history at the crease before his side were held to a draw at Old Trafford in the fourth Test, keeping the series alive with one to play. 

Stokes hit a century and took five wickets in the fourth Test
Getty

India remain 2-1 down but have given themselves a chance to deny England success after what has been a drama-filled few weeks.

Should Stokes’ men come out on top, they will claim their first series win over India since 2018, after drawing one and losing two of the last three meetings.

England vs India Fifth Test: Start time and how to follow

The fifth and final Test match of the series will begin on Thursday, July 31 and run through to Monday, August 4. 

It is being played at The Oval in London, with play beginning at 11am each day. 

For the first time, talkSPORT overseas listeners can tune into coverage of an England home Test series via the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube channel.

Our expert team taking you through ball-by-ball consists of England legend Steve Harmison, ex-New Zealand star Jeremy Coney and fans’ favourite David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd.

Sam Ellard will provide updates on talkSPORT too, with talkSPORT.com keeping you up to date with the latest.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Sky Sports will broadcast each day of the Test live on Sky Sports Cricket too. 

England still need to wrap up the series after India kept it alive
Getty

England vs India Fifth Test: Team news 

All-rounder Jamie Overton has been added to the England squad for the fifth Test. 

He will add to the host’s bowling attack, which includes Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue, with this being his first Test cap for his country since 2022.

Captain Stokes is a slight doubt due to an issue with his bicep. 

As for India, Rishabh Pant has dropped out of the squad after fracturing his foot, with Narayan Jagadeesan replacing him for his maiden Test call-up.

England squad 

  • 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 

India squad

  • TBC

England vs India: Series results and schedule

England lead Test series 2-1

  • First Test – England won by five wickets (Headingley)
  • Second Test – India won by 336 runs (Edgbaston)
  • Third Test – England won by 22 runs (Lord’s)
  • Fourth Test – Draw (Old Trafford)
  • Fifth Test – July 31-August 4 (The Oval)

England vs India Fifth Test: What has been said?

Stokes is not going to let his injury get in the way of him playing at The Oval this week. 

He said: “I don’t want to eat my words, but the likelihood I won’t play is very unlikely. 

“I’ll always try to give everything, always try to run through a brick wall for the team.

“It’s my bicep tendon. It’s had a lot of workload through it but it didn’t get any worse and hopefully it settles down and will be as good as gold for the last game.

“Bowling, being out on the field it is tough work. I’m feeling pretty sore. I’ve physically been better. 

“But I’ll keep trying, keep going and as I say to all the bowlers: pain is just an emotion.”