ENG Vs IND: Here’s How India Have Fared In Test Matches At The Oval In London

India vs England · 5th Test · The Oval, London
Starts: July 31, 2025
Series: England lead 2–1 in the five-match Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy
Context: Final Test of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle

Legacy of Struggle: India at Kennington Oval

India’s Test journey at Kennington Oval has been a rocky one. From their first appearance in 1936 through to 2021, they played 14 Tests—winning just two, losing five, and drawing the rest—yielding a win-loss ratio near 0.400. Their batting average at the venue hovers around 31.60, with their highest individual score capped at just 164, and their lowest at 94, resulting in a modest scoring rate of approximately 2.9 runs an over.

Despite these stats, India turned history on its head during the 2025 series by clinching their first-ever Test win at The Oval, becoming the first Asian side to achieve that feat. This victory alone has reset the narrative heading into the final Test.

Series Saga: The Momentum Swing

📍 Headingley – Test 1

England stunned India with a chase of 371, guided by a powerful 149 from Ben Duckett, partnered with 65 from Zak Crawley, to take the opener by five wickets.

📍 Edgbaston – Test 2

India roared back with a commanding 336-run victory, powered by Shubman Gill’s back-to-back centuries, including a double ton—the highest by an Indian captain in England. Akash Deep took 10 wickets, sealing India’s first-ever win at Edgbaston and leveling the series 1–1.

📍 Lord’s – Test 3

In a tight contest, England edged India by 22 runs, restoring a 2–1 series lead before the mid-series decider.

📍 Old Trafford – Test 4

With a monumental five-session batting effort, India managed a hard-fought draw. Gill, Jadeja (107*) and Washington Sundar (101*) all scored centuries. India’s refusal of Ben Stokes’ mid-match handshake offer became emblematic of their resilience, keeping their hopes alive going into The Oval.

Stakes & Pressure: What’s on the Line

With England leading the series 2–1, India must win to draw the series and avoid defeat in England—a country where winter cricket history hasn’t been kind. A draw would still deny England their first five-Test series win since 2018, while a defeat would mark India’s third consecutive series loss. Turf friction from earlier controversies, like the Gambhir–groundsman clash, adds further tension.

Conditions & Tactical Nuances at The Oval

Pitch & Weather

The Oval traditionally offers good bounce and swing early, transitioning into a batting-friendly surface as the Test progresses. Overcast skies may assist seamers on Day 1, while spinners may gain traction later—pitch adaptation will be key.

Toss or Defend?

With India historically struggling at this venue, post-Dhaka players and management must choose wisely: setting a target and applying pressure early, or opting to chase knowing England’s error-prone record in completing Test series.

X‑Factor Matchups & Selection Chess

🔸 Batting Brilliance

Shubman Gill has been sensational—four Test centuries so far in the series, equalling legends Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar—and remains India’s spine
He will need support from Rahul, Jadeja, and Sundar, who already delivered in Old Trafford’s must‑not‑lose moments.

🔸 Bowling Challenges

Kuldeep Yadav is expected to return amid strong calls from veterans like Ashwin and Ganguly. His variation and control could be pivotal on a turning pitch.
Akash Deep, after his match-defining ten-for at Edgbaston, alongside Siraj, must lead India’s pace attack in the possible absence of Jasprit Bumrah

🔸 England Responses

Jofra Archer’s fitness remains in doubt, raising concerns over England’s seam depth.
Ben Stokes is likely to lead with both bat and ball if fit—highlighted by his performance at Old Trafford, even as fatigue looms.

Expert Predictions & Simulation Outcomes

TalkSPORT’s betting preview tips India to win and level the series, citing their robust batting and England’s vulnerability in the bowling department due to uncertainty surrounding Archer and Stokes’ fitness. Many predictive simulations foresee a close finish—some projecting a drawn series, others betting on India’s upward momentum to subdue England and force a 2–2 result.

What Victory at The Oval Means

Series Equity: A win would take India to a 2–2 draw, a commendable achievement in batting conditions, and mentally crushing for England.
Historic Significance: India would become only the third team—first Asian nation—to win multiple Tests at The Oval, and only the second ever (after Australia) to win here more than once.
WTC Impact: Though Test Championship points may still favor England, India’s rise from 1–2 to 2–2 would offer vital momentum for future campaigns.

Final Sentiment

As India head to The Oval, they carry more than ambition—they carry resilience, momentum, and strategic clarity. Their batting has redefined itself in England, their bowlers have delivered unheralded brilliance, and their belief has grown fight by fight.

If they can conquer The Oval, they don’t just draw the series—they rewrite the story. And if they falter despite the talent on show, it’s a lesson in missed opportunity and home advantage unexploited.

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