Harry Brook created a moment of pure magic on Day 2 of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval, as he swept Mohammed Siraj for a six while falling over, drawing immediate comparisons to the bravery and flamboyance of Rishabh Pant.

With England reeling at 242 for 8 in the 48th over, and with only an 18-run lead, Brook was now the only man standing at one end - it was wickets galore at the other end. Playing with considered aggression, and under no apparent pressure with the field now spread to fend off the runs, Brook picked his moments admirably to counterattack. The highlight came when he shuffled across the stumps and clubbed a glorious full sweep over deep fine leg from Siraj. The ball went into the crowd as Brook toppled over, much like Pant had done famously during his epic innings at Old Trafford in 2022.

The crowd erupted, and even Ben Stokes, watching like the rest of us in the dressing room, looked suitably impressed. Brook's intent was clear: he wanted to retain strike, shield the tail-enders, and increase England's lead. He turned down singles repeatedly, making sure that Josh Tongue faced as few balls as possible.

Watch the video:

The tumbling sweep for six 🫡

Pant or Brook - who does it better? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/b3gNQOXrHP

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 1, 2025

ALSO SEE: South Africa tour of Australia 2025: Schedule, squads, venues & how to watch

Rain Stops Play Just as Brook's Brilliance Puts England Ahead

But just as momentum appeared to be building, the clouds rolled in. A spittle of rain began intensifying, forcing the umpires to call for covers and stop the game. "It might have just been a passing shower," said umpire Kumar Dharmasena, though the message from the ground is that rain should linger for nearly an hour.

Brook had just entered the block the rain, reaching an unbeaten 48 off 49 balls. He played a crucial innings, playing recklessly, but in a circumstance of high stress, with the Test match being tied with the series locked at 2-2. Golinger took one of several brave shots which might have brought England hope of a significant lead, but for now, it is The Oval weather that is front of mind.

With a lengthy play and World Test Championship points and series implications, every run and moment is illuminated. If the rain eases and play resumes (some hope), Brook's breathtaking shot will surely become a turning point.

Mohammed Siraj continued his impressive run in the ongoing fifth Test between India and England at The Oval by claiming his third wicket of the innings, dismissing England’s Jacob Bethell for just 6 runs. The crucial breakthrough came at a time when England were beginning to recover after a fiery start, and Siraj’s spell has firmly tilted the momentum back in India’s favour.

The wicket came in the 37th over of England’s first innings. Siraj, running in with purpose, delivered a full-length delivery that swung in late and beat Bethell’s attempted forward defense. The ball struck him flush on the front pad, and the umpire, Ahsan Raza, wasted no time raising the finger. Bethell, knowing he was beaten all ends up, walked back without a review. At that point, England were reduced to 195/5, still trailing India’s first-innings score of 224 by 29 runs.

Siraj’s wicket added to what has been an exceptional passage of play for the visitors. With conditions overcast and a steady breeze across The Oval, Siraj exploited the movement perfectly, mixing swing and seam with relentless intensity. His figures at that moment read 3 wickets, further cementing his position as one of India’s most impactful bowlers in the series.

Watch the video:

#INDvENG#INDvsENG#ENGvsIND

Siraj has really stepped up 🔥🔥

What a ball 👏👏

Here's the wicket video of Bethell👇 pic.twitter.com/0038dzwa11

— Khan (@Khanmohammed12) August 1, 2025

ALSO SEE: Will Chris Woakes bat in first innings of ENG vs IND fifth Test?

Siraj’s third wicket dents England’s reply as India fight back in series-deciding fifth Test at The Oval

Earlier in the day, England had done well with the ball, bundling India out for 224 thanks largely to Gus Atkinson’s brilliant five-wicket haul. Karun Nair top-scored for India with 57, while Washington Sundar played a handy supporting role.

Despite a rain-marred Day 1, which saw multiple interruptions and early Tea sessions, the match has picked up pace on Day 2. England’s top order showed flashes of aggression, but Siraj’s spell brought India right back into the contest.

With the series level at 2-2 and both teams eager to seal the decider, every session matters. Siraj’s fiery bowling has ensured that India stays right in the hunt. For fans watching live, Bethell’s dismissal is a must-watch moment of this gripping contest.

Chris Woakes is not expected to bat in England's first innings after sustaining a shoulder injury on the first day of play in the ongoing fifth Test against India at The Oval. Woakes sustained the injury trying to perform a diving stop near the boundary during the final session on Thursday. He fell awkwardly on his left shoulder and was immediately seen clutching his shoulder in pain.

Woakes left the field with his arm in a sling and did not return for the remainder of the day's play. In a statement on Friday morning, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Woakes will be unable to take any further part in the Test, with a final diagnosis made after the end of the series. Although it will be assessed after the Test, the chances of him being able to bat, particularly in the first innings, are very slim.

ALSO SEE: Shreyas Iyer set for T20I comeback in Asia Cup 2025: Report

Chris Woakes unlikely to bat after shoulder injury as England face crucial Test against India

Although the ECB hasn't ruled out a batting role behind a heavy set of restrictions, that would only happen in a state of absolute, cataclysmic crisis for England. As it stands, it seems as if Woakes won’t be batting unless they actually send him out, under crazy amounts of nuance that a player like Rishabh Pant pulling off an unforgettable innings one leg at Old Trafford in 2022.

England's batting is already challenged, because they are 208 for 5, versus India's 224. At the time of writing, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith were not out, but losing Woakes diminishes an already thin batting lineup.

To make matters worse, England are without their full-time captain, Ben Stokes ruled out of the decider with a shoulder injury. Woakes had made a good start to rectifying the situation, capturing KL Rahul early for England, but now has left the hosts with just three frontline bowlers. Don't get me wrong, Woakes not being able to bat is a blow for England and one that they can ill afford with the series finely poised at 2-2.

The second day of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval was a very emotional moment, as the cricket family came together to celebrate Graham Thorpe on what would have been his 56th birthday. The day, called 'A Day for Thorpey', was in honour of the former England and Surrey batter, but also in support of the mental health charity Mind.

Thorpe died by suicide on August 4 last year, after suffering from depression and anxiety for many years. He played 100 Tests for England, scoring 6,744 runs, at an average of 44.66, in a career that was noted for his elegant strokeplay and middle-order solidity. He later took on coaching roles with Surrey, England, and eventually Afghanistan. After losing his England coaching role in the 2021–22 Ashes, Thorpe's mental health deteriorated rapidly.

Tributes, Headbands and Hope: Honouring Graham Thorpe at The Oval

Fans, players, and former teammates paid tribute at The Oval. Spectators wore specially designed headbands – a nod to Thorpe’s playing days – sold for £5 to raise money for Mind. Proceeds will go towards a new initiative named ‘Thorpey’s Bat and Chat’, which will combine cricket with mental health support across the UK.

ALSO SEE: Twitter Reaction: India experience batting collapse at Oval

The tributes by his wife, Amanda, and daughters, Kitty and Emma, who courageously shared their pain with the hope of dispelling the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, revealed their desire "to honor and celebrate him and his memory, his light was so very bright," told the BBC.

Kitty disclosed that Thorpe's condition worsened with time, explaining: "He got worse and worse, until he couldn't even get out of bed. What was a mental illness got worse, until it became a physical illness." Now, there is a mural at The Oval commemorating a cricketer who gave so much to English cricket. Joe Root also dedicated his 33rd Test century to his former mentor and explained how Thorpe impacted him as a person and player.

Graham Thorpe is no longer with us, but he will live on not just in English cricket but through an increasing movement to support mental health and encourage difficult but vital conversations.

England’s injury troubles deepened on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, as experienced all-rounder Chris Woakes walked off the field nursing a suspected shoulder injury. The incident occurred late in the final session, when Woakes attempted to save a boundary at long-off and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder, visibly grimacing as he left the field with his arm tucked inside his sweater.

The 35-year-old had bowled 14 overs in the day, picking up the key wicket of KL Rahul and conceding 46 runs. His absence looms large over an already-depleted England side, which is without the services of captain Ben Stokes and several other first-choice players.

Atkinson steps up as England grapple with Woakes blow and mounting injury concerns

Gus Atkinson, who claimed two wickets from 19 overs on the rain-affected opening day, offered a cautious update on Woakes’ condition. “I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great,” he said. “It’s a big shame that the last game of the series and when anyone gets injured, it’s a shame. I’m hoping it’s not too bad, and whatever it is, he’ll get full support from everyone.”

The injury came while Woakes chased a drive from Karun Nair in the 57th over. Although he successfully stopped the boundary, saving one run for his side, he immediately clutched his shoulder in pain before walking off the field.

England’s pace stocks are now under immense pressure. With Woakes’ availability uncertain and four players, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Liam Dawson already rested, the remaining attack includes Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, and Jacob Bethell, who together boast just 18 Test caps. Atkinson, however, expressed confidence in stepping up in Woakes’ potential absence. “Definitely, I feel fresh, I feel good. I know I’ve only got this one game to play, so I can push the limits a bit,” he said.

ALSO SEE: Exclusive!! Anil Chaudhary gives insights on ENG vs IND 2025 series and India-Pakistan WCL clashes

Meanwhile, the injury situation has reignited the debate around injury replacements in Test cricket. The issue came into focus earlier in the series when India were allowed to replace an injured Rishabh Pant with Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeeper. India head coach Gautam Gambhir supported the idea of injury substitutions, stating that "if someone’s visibly injured, there’s nothing wrong with making a change."

Woakes injury fuels injury replacement debate as England face selection dilemma in series decider

England captain Ben Stokes, however, strongly opposed the idea, arguing that such a policy could be easily misused. “You pick your 11 for a game; injuries are part of the game,” Stokes said. “I think the conversation should just honestly stop around injury replacements.”

As things stand, the rules only allow like-for-like substitutes in cases of concussion. That means even if Woakes is ruled out of the match, England cannot bring in a bowling substitute, a situation that could significantly hamper their chances in the deciding Test.

India, meanwhile, ended the rain-marred opening day on 204/6, with Karun Nair anchoring the innings with an unbeaten half-century. With overcast conditions expected to persist, both teams will be hoping their depleted line-ups can withstand the physical and tactical challenges ahead.

Ben Stokes once again proved why he's among the finest all-rounders in modern-day cricket with a heroic all-round performance in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester. The England captain struck an unbeaten 103 and claimed 5 wickets for 72 runs to script a historic feat, becoming only the eighth English player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test match.

Stokes had last scored a Test century over a year ago during the Lord’s Ashes Test in June 2023 but returned to form in style, producing a valiant knock even after suffering a hamstring injury mid-innings. He had to retire hurt on Day 3 but returned to the crease later in the day to continue his charge, steering England to a commanding position.

England Players with 100 & 5-Wicket Haul in the Same Test

First England Captain to Achieve the Feat

In England’s long Test history dating back to 1877, Stokes became the first captain to score a century and claim a five-wicket haul in the same match. This puts him in an elite global club of only five captains who have managed this rare double.

Captains with 100 and Five-Wicket Haul in a Test

100 + 5-Wicket Haul vs India in a Test

Stokes also became the seventh cricketer overall to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test against India, joining some legendary names.

ALSO SEE: India vs Pakistan fixture date in Asia Cup 2025 revealed

Other Milestones

Most Test Centuries for England from No. 5-7:

• This was Stokes’ 14th Test century, second vs India, and third as captain.
  
• Ended a 36-innings century drought, having last scored a hundred in June 2023 at Lord’s during the Ashes.
  

Ben Stokes continues to redefine leadership and all-round excellence for England. Even with injury setbacks, his commitment to perform under pressure remains unmatched. His performance at Old Trafford will go down as one of the great captains’ knocks in modern Test history.

Twitter reaction for Ben Stokes:

• The greatest there was is and ever will be...
• The greatest allrounder of this generation...
• The most competitive block ever
• The Clutch Goat...

5 wkt with the ball and now a classic century with the bat - Captain
Take a Bow Benjamin Andrew Stokes 🐐🤍 pic.twitter.com/nFwSCaoUYx

— ᴠᴀᴍᴏs ᴠɪʀᴀᴛ (@SachinPvk) July 26, 2025

What a man , what a player , what a brilliant hundred by one and only Gangster of Cricket - Ben Stokes 💯 pic.twitter.com/ZZaDGelDWx

— xuenain (@meer_xuenain) July 26, 2025

#INDvENG #INDvsENG

STOKES 14th CENTURY in Test 🔥🔥

What a dream match for #BenStokes 🫡🫡
5 wicket haul and 100 💪💪

Fiver after 8 years and a century after 2 years 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Bb3ZtNfVbg

— Khan (@Khanmohammed12) July 26, 2025

shubman clown gill asked
- where is bazball
- get some balls

benjamin andrew stokes replied
- fifer and century in a single match pic.twitter.com/iD76q9pNxH

— iNaveenVijayakumar (@iNaveentalks) July 26, 2025

5 wicket haul and a century

Ben fuckinng stokes pic.twitter.com/5SPIP4IEbU

— Sai (@KrishnaMSaiD) July 26, 2025

THE REACTIONS OF CAPTAIN BEN STOKES WHEN HE COMPLETED HIS HUNDRED. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ffrkH9AjKA

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 26, 2025

🚨 BEN STOKES BECOMES FIRST CAPTAIN IN 42 YEARS TO SMASH A CENTURY & TAKE A FIFER IN THE SAME TEST! 💥🔥

pic.twitter.com/jvyOsGaKim

— maddyCric (@imRaghav001) July 26, 2025

👉 CENTURY FOR BEN STOKES.

🏏CAPTAINS KNOCK FROM BEN STOKES.#INDvsENG #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/V0Um8PNKkA

— Fan Of Cricket 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@techsmart484675) July 26, 2025

England have announced their playing XI for the upcoming one-off four-day Test against Zimbabwe, to be played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, from May 22 to 25. The fixture will be England’s first red-ball meeting with Zimbabwe since 2003 and marks a key tune-up ahead of their five-match Test series against India later this year.

The headline from England’s announcement is the inclusion of uncapped Essex seamer Sam Cook, who will make his Test debut. The 27-year-old has been a standout performer on the county circuit, taking over 300 wickets at an average below 20. His performances this season, 10 wickets already in the 2025 County Championship, have made a compelling case for selection.

Joining Cook in the pace attack is Josh Tongue, who returns to the Test arena for the first time since the Ashes Test at Lord’s in June 2023. His comeback adds experience and potency to a bowling unit that also features Gus Atkinson and skipper Ben Stokes, now fully recovered from the hamstring injury that sidelined him during the winter.

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Stable Top Order, Bashir Trusted with Spin, Rew, and Potts Miss Out

There are no surprises at the top of the order, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett continuing their partnership. Ollie Pope remains at No. 3, with the seasoned trio of Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes forming a formidable middle order. Jamie Smith keeps the gloves for this match, having impressed in the second half of 2024. His emergence as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter gives England flexibility in team selection moving forward.

With spin duties, Shoaib Bashir has been backed again as England’s frontline option. The 21-year-old off-spinner has shown significant promise since debuting and continues to grow in stature. With no second spinner in the XI, Bashir will carry the spin load alone in Nottingham. From the wider squad, James Rew and Matthew Potts are the two players to miss out. Rew was a late addition as cover for the injured Jordan Cox, but hasn’t been selected in the final XI.

England XI for One-Off Test vs Zimbabwe:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Shoaib Bashir

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the prize money distribution for the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, ahead of the final between Australia and South Africa, scheduled for June 11, 2025, at Lord’s.  Announced on May 15, 2025, the announcement has brought out the financial benefits for the leading teams of the highly esteemed Test championship, with the winner being promised a substantial INR 30.78 crore and the runners-up INR 18.46 crore. This is a significant hike from the last cycle, measuring the ICC's enthusiasm for encouraging Test cricket.

Australia, who finished at the top of the WTC points table with a percentage of 62.50 following a 3-1 series victory against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and South Africa, who secured their place with a percentage of 55.56 after a 2-0 series victory against Sri Lanka, will contest for the top award. The other teams in the WTC table have also been awarded prize money according to their ranks. India, who finished third, will be handed INR 12.31 crore, and New Zealand, fourth, will get INR 10.26 crore. England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Pakistan will get INR 8.2 crore, INR 7.18 crore, INR 6.15 crore, INR 5.13 crore, and INR 4.10 crore, respectively, for their performances in the cycle.

The WTC cycle for 2025, which started in 2023, has experienced fierce competition in 69 matches where teams have been competing to reach the final. The distribution of prize money not only honors the best but also provides financial assistance to all teams that participate, fostering the development of Test cricket around the world. ICC Chairman Jay Shah pointed out, "The WTC is a pillar of Test cricket, and this prize fund reflects our commitment to the format."

Financial Incentive for Test Cricket

The huge prize money for the WTC 2025 final is a testament to the ICC's attempts to keep the longest format alive, which tends to battle for attention in the T20-dominated age. The winner's share of INR 30.78 crore is a strong motivation, making the WTC among the richest team sport championships, while the runner-up's INR 18.46 crore guarantees both finalists are heavily rewarded.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans rope in Sri Lanka star as replacement for Jos Buttler

For sides such as India and New Zealand, who just fell short of the final, the incentive money of INR 12.31 crore and INR 10.26 crore, respectively, gives a financial advantage to their cricket boards. Even lower-ranked nations such as Pakistan, with INR 4.10 crore, are better off, so that Test cricket is a profitable option in all cricketing nations as the sport changes.

The Indian cricket team will begin its England tour with a warm-up match against India A. The match will be played on June 13 at Beckenham, which is a ground under Kent County Cricket Club. There were intentions to telecast the match, but the decision was reversed, and it will now be played behind closed doors.

Practice Matches Before the Test Series

Before the five-match Test series, India A will also tour England and will have two four-day matches against England Lions. The first of these will be between May 30 and June 2 at Canterbury, and the second from June 6 to 9 at Northamptonshire Cricket County Club.

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Indian Cricket Team Travel plans and Preparations

After IPL 2025 is over, Indian players will get two weeks of rest and then go to England during the second week of June. There may be a few players going earlier based on their time table. Beckenham ground, located in southeastern London, is good and being used for practice before the Test series.

Issues related to selection and captaincy

The England series squad is expected to be announced in May, when the IPL will be at its peak. A part of the controversy is whether Rohit Sharma will continue to be the captain, subject mostly to how he performs during the IPL to assist the selectors in making their decision.

England vs India Test Series Schedule

This will be India's only practice game before the first Test at Headingley. As there are no practice games against local county teams, the intra-squad match will become the only preparation for the team.

Former England skipper Charlotte Edwards has been appointed as England Women's cricket team head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday (April 1). Edwards, who represented England in more than 300 games and was captain of the team for a decade, succeeds Jon Lewis after England's embarrassing 16-0 Ashes whitewash against Australia earlier this year.

A Return to the Three Lions

"I am thrilled to be back as part of the England Women's cricket team leadership, and I am not looking forward to taking this team forward and pushing us to success," Edwards said. "It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest again. Being captain of England was my life for 10 years, and I will always be passionate about this team and our heritage. We have such a great bunch of players, and I am looking forward to working with them and developing them as individuals and as a team."

Her immediate challenge will be two home series against West Indies and India, followed by the ICC Women’s World Cup in India later this year and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at home in 2026. She will also be responsible for restoring team morale after England’s recent poor performances, including their unexpected group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE last October.

ALSO SEE: Star India Batter Donates Medical Equipment Worth INR 35 Lakh Under CSR Initiative

A Decorated Career On and Off the Field

Through her 20-year career on the field, Edwards was a two-time World Cup and five-time Ashes series winner. Since retiring in 2017, she has lived a life of tremendous success as a coach. She took Mumbai Indians to two Women's Premier League (WPL) titles in three seasons and took Southern Vipers to five titles, two of which were in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, England's domestic T20 competition named for her.

Her coaching record also features taking Southern Brave to three Women's Hundred finals, claiming victory in 2023, and taking Sydney Sixers to the final of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) for 2022-23. Edwards will now leave her position with the Sixers and Hampshire Women.

ECB Supports a "Proven Winner"

ECB deputy CEO and England Women's cricket managing director Clare Connor welcomed Edwards' appointment: "She has the experience, passion, and expertise to take this team to success. The results she has achieved as a head coach in various environments since retiring as one of the greatest-ever England players is a relentless and high standard."

Connor also recognized Edwards's extensive understanding of the game at home and abroad and stressed the need to create a competitive but also supportive atmosphere for the national team.

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Transition in Leadership and Challenges Ahead

Edwards' appointment comes as England changes leadership, with Heather Knight retiring as captain. The ECB has not yet announced her replacement, although vice-captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is the favorite to take over.

On Wednesday, Edwards and Connor will speak to the media at Lord's to set out their vision for England Women's cricket. With the growing professionalization of the women's game and the recent struggles of England, Edwards is likely to introduce more stringent fitness and performance requirements to restore the team's competitive swagger.

As England prepares for a key stage in women's cricket, including the possibility of the sport being added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Edwards' appointment promises a new dawn. The ECB will expect that her record as a player and coach is replicated internationally.