Surrey fast bowler joins 15-man squad as England looks for fresh options after India’s great escape at Old Trafford.
England Cricket has announced that Jamie Overton will be the new member of the squad for the fifth and final Test match against India starting this Thursday at the Oval. The Surrey pacer is the only newcomer in India’s 15-member squad that will play at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The decision to field Overton was taken after England failed to bowl out the Indian bowling in the second innings at the Manchester ground. Ben Stokes and his side were in the perfect position to win the series 3-1 after taking a mammoth 311-run lead in the first innings. However, India took five sessions and 143 overs to draw the match and not lose the series.
The new conditions indicate that England is looking for new bowling options in the third match of the series. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have started in the first four tests. Jofra Archer has also bowled a lot, playing two consecutive Test matches since returning to fitness. These bowlers have had to work hard.
The English team management had already suggested that changes would have to be made in the final Test. Captain Ben Stokes cited the presence of new leg spinners in the Oval match as an important reason. The short interval between matches could leave some of the players in need of rest. This is where Overton may have his opportunity to play.
The talk at all ends is that England has to find new life in its bowling attack, which was not able to clinch India at Old Trafford. India played outstandingly with high spirits in the batting on the final day of the game. England only managed to take away 4 wickets in the second innings of India, though Chris Woakes bowled twice in the first over.
Overton Gets Second Chance After 2022 Debut
This will be the second opportunity Jamie Overton has gotten to play a match after his sole appearance in 2022. Surrey paceman is one of the fast bowlers contesting a place in the starting eleven, along with Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue. These three players wish to put in all their efforts so that they can be chosen to play this important game.
Josh Tongue took 11 Test wickets in the first two of the current series. However, he was costly, and too many runs were conceded by him. Gus Atkinson has not been involved in a first-class game since England scored 16 runs against Zimbabwe in Mem. This makes Overton a new prospect that has been playing county cricket on a regular basis.
Final Squad
The England team of 15 men gives Stokes much variety in the team selection. Overton comes in to give England an extra option of four specialists in fast bowling. This may be critical on a wicket that would assist seam bowling.
The team selection could also depend on the weather in the Oval. England will want to put their best combination based on the condition under which they anticipate. The series decider will be an exciting game, as there is all to play for by both the teams.
England’s 15-man team for the 5th Test:
Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Liam Dawson, Shoaib Bashir
