'Not India’s problem that...' – Former cricketer's blunt remark during ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Team India should not let England’s injury setback influence their approach in the ongoing fifth Test at the Oval. England was dealt a major blow early on Day 1 when Chris Woakes dislocated his shoulder while attempting to save a boundary. The ECB later confirmed that Woakes would take no further part in the match. With substitution only allowed in cases like concussion, the hosts are now operating with just 10 players for the remainder of the Test.

Woakes' absence significantly weakened England’s bowling resources, leaving them with only three specialist seamers. While Joe Root and Jacob Bethell may offer occasional overs of part-time spin, the conditions at The Oval have not been spin-friendly. As a result, the workload on the remaining pacers has increased, but Ashwin feels this should not be a concern for India. He insisted that India’s priority must be to occupy the crease throughout Day 3, regardless of England's reduced bowling unit.

"It is not India's problem that England are playing with 10. It is not about the score; I want to see India bat all day long tomorrow. Get through Gus Atkinson's first spell, get through Josh Tongue's first spell, and then the game begins. There will be no role for spinners, even in the fourth innings. If we have to turn to spinners, then we will be in trouble," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Jaiswal’s redemption and pitch analysis

Yashasvi Jaiswal remains central to India’s fortunes, having reached an unbeaten 51 by stumps on Day 2. Ashwin observed a clear shift in Jaiswal’s mindset between the two innings. "Today his (Jaiswal's) intention was clear; he wanted to score runs. In the first inning, he was indecisive, and he was confused; that is why he got out. So, I don't think he will change his game much," he explained. Jaiswal, who was dismissed for just 2 in the first innings, has struggled with the around-the-wicket angle in recent matches but looked far more assured in his second outing.

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Ashwin also weighed in on the surface at The Oval, noting that the pitch could ease out and become more batting-friendly later in the match. “If the wicket of Sai hadn't fallen towards the end of the day, I might have said it was India's day all in all. But this Test match is going topsy-turvy. If I were England batting fourth on this wicket, I would be the happiest, because I feel that might be the best time to bat. So, it cannot be a 180-200 chase; it has to be a little more,” he concluded. India currently leads by 52 runs with eight wickets in hand, and the pair of Jaiswal and night-watchman Akash Deep will resume proceedings on Day 3.