ENG vs IND, 5th Test: The Oval Pitch Report – Why Bowling First is Crucial

India is set to play its final Test against England at The Oval, with Shubman Gill and his team aiming to level the series. This high-stakes match promises to be thrilling, and the pitch conditions will be pivotal. The Oval pitch displays a green tinge, unlike the flatter batting tracks seen earlier in the series. It has grass, which will be trimmed before the toss, potentially assisting seamers early on. Overcast conditions on the opening day further favor swing bowlers. Continuous cloud cover and light showers are likely, keeping the surface moist, particularly for the first two days, which could make batting difficult. As the match progresses, the pitch may dry, reducing pace and potentially bringing spinners into play from Day 3. Variable bounce could also become a factor in the later stages. Given the conditions, both captains will likely want to bowl first if they win the toss. Ben Stokes is out due to injury, with Ollie Pope leading England. India will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant.