England vs India are heading into the fifth and final Test at The Oval without their talismanic all-rounder, Ben Stokes. It’s a big blow. Whether it’s rescuing a collapsing batting order or breaking partnerships with the ball, Stokes has been that guy for England. Now, someone else needs to step up.
And that someone, at least in terms of leadership, is Ollie Pope, who will captain the side. This isn’t entirely new for him—he’s taken the helm four times before.
What this squad shake-up really means, what the new-look England XI might deliver, and how this could influence your cricket betting tips heading into Day 1 at The Oval.
Leadership Shift: Ollie Pope Steps In
With Stokes sidelined, Pope takes over the reins. He’s been groomed for leadership in recent years, and while he’s not a loud personality like Stokes, he brings a calm, analytical presence to the role. That could actually be a good thing in a pressure-cooker Test.
But Pope isn’t just a captain now—he’s expected to contribute significantly with the bat, especially in the absence of his usual middle-order partner. If you’re looking at potential value bets, don’t overlook Pope for top run-scorer on Day 1.
Key Squad Changes: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Let’s look at the changes England made for the Oval Test:
- Jacob Bethell comes in as Stokes’ replacement and is expected to play a secondary spin role. With The Oval usually offering a bit more bounce than spin, Bethell might be used sparingly. Still, he can contribute with the bat and could quietly become a valuable lower-order asset.
- Gus Atkinson returns from a hamstring issue. If you’ve followed the series closely, you know England have been cautious with their seamers. Atkinson’s extra zip could shake up India’s top order, especially early with the new ball.
- Jamie Overton is finally getting another Test cap. This guy brings raw pace, and on a surface that rewards aggressive bowling, he could be the X-factor. He’s also no mug with the bat, which gives England some balance.
- Josh Tongue is back in the mix after sitting out for a few Tests. He was replaced by Archer earlier in the series but now gets a chance to show what he can offer. He’s quick, accurate, and doesn’t shy away from bowling long spells.
England’s Likely XI for the 5th Test
Here’s how the playing XI is shaping up:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope (c)
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jacob Bethell
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Gus Atkinson
- Jamie Overton
- Josh Tongue
It’s a mix of young energy, seasoned heads, and a bit of urgency. Ben Stokes’ calm, game-changing presence will definitely be missed—but you can tell this squad’s hungry for a fight.
How This Impacts England’s Game Plan
The Batting Order:
Without Stokes, the middle order is slightly lighter. Joe Root becomes the senior-most figure, and he’ll be under pressure to play long innings. Zak Crawley has had moments of brilliance this series, but consistency has been his problem.
Harry Brook is one to watch—he’s shown flashes of match-winning ability, and in a Stokes-less lineup, his aggressive style might actually be England’s best counter-attack.
The Bowling Attack:
Chris Woakes leads the seam attack, and he’s been reliable. But it’s Overton, Atkinson, and Tongue who need to bring the heat. This trio can bowl with serious pace, and if the pitch offers any lateral movement early on, they could rattle India’s top order.
Bethell’s role as a spinner is more supportive than central, but don’t rule out him being used to break partnerships, especially if the game drags into Day 4 or 5.
What India Will Be Targeting
India, no doubt, will see this as an opportunity. They’ve been the better team across the series, and the absence of Stokes removes one of England’s biggest match-winners. Expect them to go hard at England’s inexperienced middle and lower order.
Their bowlers will target the likes of Bethell and Overton, both of whom are still getting used to the demands of Test cricket.
But here’s the thing—this could backfire if they underestimate the fire England’s younger players will bring.
What This Means for Your Cricket Betting Tips
Now, if you’re following this series from a betting perspective, this Test presents some interesting angles. The squad shuffle changes the dynamics, and there’s genuine value in looking beyond just the star players.
Tip 1: Bet on Seamers to Dominate
The Oval often helps quicks early on. Look at betting markets involving wicket-takers like Woakes and Overton. India’s Mohammed Siraj could also be a threat under overcast conditions.
Tip 2: Watch Root and Brook
Root is the obvious candidate for most runs, but Brook’s aggressive style suits a counter-punching role. If England are in trouble, Brook might play a free-flowing innings that could surprise.
Tip 3: India to Win? Not So Fast
Stokes’ absence tilts things in India’s favor, but don’t rush to write England off. At home, and with several fringe players hungry to prove themselves, this could be tighter than expected. England’s pace attack could catch India off guard if the ball swings.
Make sure you’re watching the toss, pitch reports, and team updates. Live odds will shift quickly, especially once the first hour is played.
Who Has the Edge?
When you look at current form and squad depth, India definitely holds the edge. They’ve been consistent, balanced, and sharp in pressure moments. But this is Test cricket—and at The Oval, anything can happen. Ben Stokes might be missing, but England hasn’t run out of belief. With home conditions on their side, a fired-up dressing room, and the unpredictable nature of a series-deciding Test, they still have every reason to believe they can turn things around.
The big question now revolves around Ollie Pope. He’s under massive pressure—not just to lead but to deliver with the bat. These situations either weigh you down or define your career. If Pope stays composed and the bowlers stick to their plans with discipline, England still has a real shot at pulling off a comeback.
Final Thoughts
The 5th Test is shaping up to be a classic. England have a point to prove—and nothing to lose. That makes them unpredictable and dangerous. India want to wrap the series in style, but they’ll have to fight for it.
England’s squad changes aren’t ideal, but they also create space for new match-winners to step up. That’s the beauty of Test cricket. It thrives under pressure. It’s not just about big names—it’s about who delivers when it matters. One gritty innings or one tight spell can flip the script entirely.
And if you’re betting on the game—or just trying to read it better—having sharp, accurate cricket tips makes all the difference. Pitch conditions, team balance, recent form… these aren’t just stats; they shape the outcome.
Head over to CricketBettingTips.org — your smart source for expert cricket betting tips, live scores, real-time match insights, and analysis that actually makes sense. Whether you’re building your fantasy team or weighing your wagers, their updates help you stay ahead of the game.