England vs India Predicting Probable Playing XI Changes for 5th Test at The Oval

Changes for Team India

Rishabh Pant to be dropped for 5th Test

The Indian cricket team’s wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is all set to be dropped for the 5th Test after suffering a toe fracture injury during day one of the 1st inning of the fourth Test. Although Pant returned to bat on day 2, he didn't take the field for wicketkeeping duties. Hence, Pant is likely to be dropped for the match with Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan and even Narayan Jagadeesan are linked for the slot. Dhruv Jurel is currently the most likely option as he is already part of the squad while any of the other two have to fly to England first.

Kuldeep Yadav for Washington Sundar

There has been quite the backlash on social media during the fourth Test in Manchester as fans are quite unhappy that Washington Sundar is not being used with the ball. Sundar has bowled very few overs and has made his impact on these little opportunities.

Also the fans have been unhappy that Kuldeep Yadav has not been used in a single match in this Test series. And when the Emirates Old Trafford is expected to help the spinners, Kuldeep’s exclusion has frustrated many Indian fans. While the fourth Test continues, the present situation suggests that Kuldeep Yadav might finally secure his place in the playing XI for the upcoming Oval Test in London in place of Sundar.

Anshul Kamboj to be dropped

Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj was added to the Indian cricket team’s squad as a replacement for injured Nitish Kumar Reddy and he was slotted into the playing XI for injured Akash Deep for the fourth Test.

However, his performance with the ball so far has not impressed the fans. Anshul Kamboj has been bowling at 125-130 KMPH speed and this has frustrated many fans. Anshul Kamboj is a hugely talented player but there is no doubt that with his speed, he is not the ideal player for English, Australian and South African conditions where pace, swing and bounce is the ultimate weapon for the bowlers.

Kamboj might be dropped for the 5th Test at The Oval with Akash Deep is believed to be available for selection for the match. Even if not, Team India might prefer Arshdeep Singh in place of Kamboj as Arshdeep brings swing and pace both. He was unfortunate to get injured just before the 4th Test.

Changes for England

Gus Atkinson to replace Chris Woakes

In the ongoing England vs India 5 match Test series, England have adopted a policy where they have barely tinkered with a playing XI much. They have only added Jofra Archer in place of an inexperienced Josh Tongue and Liam Dawson for injured Shoaib Bashir. And it's not likely to change much for the 5th Test either.

However, if they win the Test series in Manchester, they might opt for at least one change for the 5th Test. There is a possibility that they might include Gus Atkinson in place for Chris Woakes. Woakes is one of the most experienced bowler in the team but unfortunately hasn't been able to make much impact.

Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson has done really well in given opportunities for Team England. He however missed the Test series vs England after he suffered an injury vs Zimbabwe just before the series.

Although Atkinson was selected for the squad ahead of the third Test, he remains without a spot in the starting lineup. If England wins the series in Manchester with a match to go, they might opt for Gus Atkinson in the playing XI in place of Woakes.