England have looked back on fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton to add to their squad for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, starting on Thursday. The 31-year-old, who was recently featured for Surrey in the County Championship, returns as the only change from the squad that played the fourth Test in Manchester.
The decision stems from England’s bowlers enduring an exhaustive workload in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, where India fought back to earn a draw and keep the series alive. Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes marked their presence in all four Tests, and Jofra Archer played two matches after being absent for four years.
England spent over 250 overs in the field, including 143 overs across the final two days, prompting captain Ben Stokes to acknowledge the need for “fresh legs” heading into the series decider. He also experienced several injuries, but it is less probable for him to miss The Oval Test.
Overton’s inclusion provides additional pace and depth to an attack that includes Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse. Stokes, who has been nursing hamstring and shoulder niggles, could be limited in his bowling capacity, making Overton’s presence all the more crucial.
England squad for the fifth Test against India
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.
