ENG vs IND 2025: Arshdeep Singh likely to make his debut in Oval Test

India's upcoming fifth and final Test against England at The Oval may mark the debut of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy tilted 2-1 in England's favor, the Indian team management is considering changes to the bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah, who has been India’s pace spearhead throughout the series, might be rested to manage his workload. In such a scenario, Arshdeep's inclusion could provide the side with a fresh and strategic option in the pace department for this crucial encounter.

Arshdeep, aged 25, was initially in contention for a debut in the fourth Test in Manchester. However, a thumb injury sustained during a practice session in Beckenham dashed those hopes. He required stitches and underwent a brief rehabilitation period. Now fully fit, Arshdeep has returned to training and bowled with full intensity during an optional net session ahead of the final Test, signalling his readiness to step onto the red-ball stage.

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As per a TOI report, Arshdeep had been part of the management’s plans for the last two matches. With Bumrah’s possible exclusion and concerns over Mohammed Siraj's physical strain, Arshdeep’s inclusion could restore balance in the pace unit. His childhood coach, Jaswant Rai, has voiced his support, stating that Arshdeep is ready for the challenges of Test cricket. This opportunity could mark a pivotal moment in the young pacer’s red-ball journey.

Arshdeep Singh Trains Intensively with Bowling Coach Morne Morkel Ahead of Potential Test Debut

Arshdeep Singh, fresh off a stellar T20 World Cup campaign where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets, played a key role in India’s title win, especially with a match-defining 19th over in the final. Despite his achievements in the shorter format, Arshdeep has always expressed a desire to represent India in Test cricket. Over the past month, he has worked intensively with bowling coach Morne Morkel to sharpen his red-ball skills, preparing himself for the longer format. His determination could finally pay off with a debut in the final Test at The Oval.

In the likely bowling combination for the Oval Test, Arshdeep may join Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep in the pace attack. The decision on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion will be taken closer to match day, given ongoing workload concerns. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav is also being considered to replace Shardul Thakur, offering a wrist-spin variation. With the series standing at 2-1, India will look to level it in the final game.

India Probable playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj