IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference: Call on Bumrah on match day, says Gill; Stokes ruled out

Ollie Pope will be seen leading the English side in the absence of Ben Stokes at the Oval for the all-important fifth Test of 2025 Anderson Tendulkar Trophy

5:40 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Arshdeep to replace Bumrah?

While not confirming Shubman Gill in the press conference hinted that Arshdeep Singh is most likley to earn his debut cap in the Oval Test. He might replace Jasprit Bumrah but we might have to wait for toss tomorrow to get the final confirmation. 

5:23 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gill heaps praise on Sundar

Shubman Gill praised Washington Sundar’s all-round contributions, saying his performances with both bat and ball have been impressive. He added that Sundar’s presence has strengthened the lower order and provided crucial balance to the team.

5:19 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gill on India's bowling combination

Shubman Gill confirmed that Arshdeep Singh has been told to be prepared, but the final decision on India's playing XI will be made after assessing the pitch conditions later in the evening. He also pointed out that while England haven’t selected a frontline spinner, India are confident in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to handle spin duties effectively.

5:16 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gill on India's chances in the final match

Shubman Gill said a 2-2 series result would be a significant achievement for the team, given how closely contested each match has been. He noted that after four days, it was often hard to predict a winner, reflecting the intensity of the series. Calling it a valuable learning experience, Gill expressed hope that India can finish on a high in the final Test.

5:15 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gill on Gambhir's spat

Addressing the pitch inspection row involving Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill further stated that players have been doing such inspections for years, often wearing rubber spikes or even barefoot. He expressed surprise at the curator’s objection, saying he didn’t understand why it became an issue.

5:14 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gill on series so far

While talking about the intensity of the series, Shubman Gill remarked that he couldn't recall another series where four consecutive Tests went down to the final session, highlighting how intense and competitive the contests have been.

5:13 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gill on Bumrah playing Oval Test

Shubman Gill said the final decision on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion for the Oval Test will be taken tomorrow, noting that the pitch looks very green and conditions will play a key role in the call.

5:11 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gill on Pitch controversy

Indian skipper Shubman Gill while talking about the pitch inspection incident on Tuesday, said , there had been no prior instructions in the previous four Tests and that players were simply following routine procedures. He added that, as cricketers, they didn’t see any reason for the fuss.

4:56 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: England playing 11 for the fifth Test

England playing 11: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (capt), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue

4:48 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Indian skipper up soon

Indian skipper Shubman Gill will join the media for the pre match press conference soon.

4:30 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Seperate rules for India and England?

While Stokes took the diplomatic route on Gambhir's spat with Oval curator. The seperate rules for hosts and vistors was on display at Oval on Wednesday as while Indian staffs were shouted upon for standing too close to the wicket English staff and players were seen roaming freely on the pitch. 

4:20 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Green pitch at Oval

English skipper Ben stokes while talking about wickets of Oval said that the pitch has lot more greass than any other pitch so far in the series. 

4:10 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Nature of Stokes' injury

English captain Ben Stokes who has been ruled out of the final Test is suffering for shoulder injury. 

4:08 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Stokes on Gambhir vs Oval curator

English skipper Ben Stokes took diplomatic route on question about Indian head coach's spat with Oval pitch curator. He dismissed the question by simply saying he was not available on the spot so does not know anything about it. 

4:05 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Stokes on series so far

Ben Stokes described the series as physically and mentally demanding, calling it a tough and gruelling battle that tested both character and endurance. He praised the competitive spirit shown by both teams, saying their relentless fight reflects how much Test cricket still means to players from both India and England.

4:04 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Stokes on Dawson missing out

Ben Stokes while talking about exclusion of Liam Dawson from the final Test said that it is a tactical decision as Oval wicket offers more assistance to seamers they decided to not go with regular spinner. 

4:02 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Stokes on rest time between matches

Ben Stokes said the scheduling of the series has been challenging for both teams, noting that while some Tests had long breaks of 8–9 days, others had much shorter turnarounds. He felt a more consistent gap of 4–5 days between matches would have been ideal.

4:01 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Stokes on Manchester handshake row

Ben Stokes also addressed the post-match handshake controversy from the Manchester Test. He said that he understood why Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar wanted to complete their centuries but maintained that he had no intention of pushing his bowlers further at that stage. Stokes added that both teams have moved on from the incident and urged everyone to focus on the overall quality of the series rather than those final 20 minutes, which he felt shouldn't overshadow what has otherwise been a fantastic contest.

3:59 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Stokes on missing out the final Test

Stokes after the announcement of his injury said he's "disappointed not to finish the series" but will begin rehab immediately to be fit for the winter. While he didn’t specify the muscle, he joked about not being able to pronounce it. Stokes added that he had planned to rest after the series anyway, so the timing of the injury doesn’t affect his broader plans. 

3:57 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: England playing 11 for the fifth Test

England playing 11: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (capt), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue

3:54 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Pope to lead England

Ollie Pope will lead England as stand in skipper in absence of Ben Stokes at Oval. 

3:47 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Ben Stokes ruled out of Oval Test

As per latest report English skipper Ben Stokes has been ruled out of Oval Test due to injury. Archer, Carse and Dawson are set to miss out too. 

3:40 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gambhir in converstion with Kuldeep Yadav

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen having an intense conversation with Kuldeep Yadav at Oval today. With Indian top order performing well with the bat India can opt to add an extra spinner in thier squad for the decisive Test starting tomorrow. 

3:31 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: No 2.5 rule for England

After Gambhir's clash with Oval curator for standing too close to the pitch. England batters were seen having shadow practice on the pitch on Wednesday, raising the question does the 2.5m rule stands for visitors only. 

3:21 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES:Gambhir's clash with Lee Fortis

India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak clarified the team's side of the recent pitch inspection incident at The Oval. Kotak said the situation began when members of India's support staff, during a routine pre-match pitch inspection, were unexpectedly told by a ground staff member to stay at least 2.5 metres away from the surface. He found the request unusual, especially since they weren’t wearing spikes and were simply observing. Kotak added that batting coach Gautam Gambhir, who generally keeps to himself and avoids unnecessary interaction, was also surprised by the abrupt manner in which the instructions were given, which sparked some discomfort.

3:00 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Will Kuldeep make his comeback?

With Indian top order in brilliant form India have the chance to play Kuldeep Yadav in the final Test but will they play three spinners or will they go with same formula of four pacers and two spinners. Stay tuned to find out Indian skipper view on this. 

2:55 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Surprise inclusion from England

Jamie Overton has been added to England’s 15-member squad for the fifth and final Test against India, starting July 31 at The Oval. The pace-bowling all-rounder becomes the sixth frontline pacer in the squad, joining Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse. His inclusion follows captain Ben Stokes’ call for fresh legs, with concerns over his own fitness, Woakes' heavy workload, and Archer's recent return after four years. Overton has played just one Test, back in 2022 against New Zealand. England lead the series 2-1 after the fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw.

2:40 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: England reveals full squad for Oval Test

ENG Squad for Fifth Test: Ben Stokes (Captain), 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

2:30 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: England expected to make changes in playing 11

While the question around changes in India's playing 11 stands, the changes in England's playing 11 will also be up for discussion. As per media reports, England can replace Archer with Atkinson for the final Test. But the final answer can only be revealed later today.  

 

2:19 PM

IND vs ENG 5th Test Press Conference LIVE UPDATES: Gambhir spat with Oval curator

On Wednesday, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir had an heated argument with Oval pitch curator. Sitanshu Kotak while addressing the media on Tuesday, said that the argument started when curator asked Gambhir to stay 2.5m away from wicket in rude manner which was the reason behind the start of the argument.