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
ENG vs IND 5th Test press conference highlights
The 2025 Anderson Tendulkar Trophy has reached its endgame, with India and England set to face each other in the fifth and final Test of the series at The Oval, London, starting Thursday, July 31. The hosts currently lead the series 2-1, which means they will not end on the losing side even if they drop the final game. On the other hand, all is on the line for the visitors, who need nothing less than a win to end the series on equal terms.
The last Test at Manchester saw some high-tension drama on the final day when India refused to shake hands with English skipper Ben Stokes. Although India eventually agreed to a draw, it was not before their two all-rounders, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, who batted for almost the full day, completed their centuries to save the match.
India will have the momentum going into the final Test, but England will leave no stone unturned to end the series in their favour. Today, both the captains—Indian captain Shubman Gill and English captain Ben Stokes—sat down for one final pre-match press conference of the series and answered questions around the ongoing controversies and their playing XI. However the biggest news of from the presser was English skipper Ben Stokes mising out the Oval Test due to shoulder injury leaving Ollie Pope as incharge of the side.
No call as of now on Bumrah
India captain Shubman Gill said a decision on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion for the fifth and final Test at The Oval will be made on match day, noting that the pitch appears “very green” and conditions will heavily influence the call. Bumrah has been closely monitored, and team management will assess both workload and surface before finalising the XI.
Addressing the pitch inspection controversy involving Gautam Gambhir, Gill expressed confusion over the issue, saying players have routinely inspected pitches wearing rubber spikes or barefoot across venues. He added there had been no objections in the previous four Tests and that the team saw the action as part of standard pre-match preparation.
Gill confirmed that pacer Arshdeep Singh has been told to stay ready, but India will finalise their combination after a closer look at the pitch later in the evening. He also pointed out England’s decision not to pick a frontline spinner, and said India are confident in the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
Gill praised Sundar’s all-round contributions, highlighting his impact with both bat and ball and the balance he brings to the side. He called the series a great learning curve and hopes India can level it 2–2 with a strong finish.
Stokes amongst the four changes for England
England captain Ben Stokes confirmed he will miss the fifth Test against India at The Oval due to a muscle tear, which medical staff advised could worsen if he played. Stokes admitted he was “obviously disappointed” to miss the decider but felt the risk of aggravating the injury outweighed the reward. After consulting with England’s medical team and coach Brendon McCullum, he decided to stand down, though he will remain with the squad.
He expressed confidence in England’s strong squad depth, backing the selected XI to compete and potentially win the series. Jacob Bethell replaces Stokes in the lineup, batting at No. 6. Stokes praised Bethell’s composure and versatility, referencing his previous Test outing in New Zealand. Along with Stokes Archer, Carse and Dawson are other three changes in England's playing 11 in the match.
Reflecting on the drawn Old Trafford Test and the decision not to bowl for a result, Stokes reiterated he wouldn’t risk player injuries for an unachievable win. He also addressed the demanding schedule, suggesting more consistent rest periods between matches in future five-Test series.
Stokes described Friday’s tribute to the late Graham Thorpe as “emotional and special,” recognizing Thorpe’s influence on many current players. Despite his absence from the field, Stokes pledged full support and belief in his team’s ability to finish the series strong. 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
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.
Topics : Shubman Gill India vs England India cricket team England cricket team ICC World Test Championship Test Cricket Ben Stokes
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First Published: Jul 30 2025 | 2:00 PM IST
