India and England are set to meet in a high-stakes 5th Test at the Kennington Oval, London, from July 31 to August 4, 2025, in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
England holds a narrow 2-1 lead, meaning India must win to level the series, while the hosts will be determined to seal victory on home soil. As both sides prepare for this decisive clash, the conditions at The Oval could play a crucial role.
Here's a detailed look at the pitch report, historical records, and highest scores at this iconic venue ahead of the final Test.
How many Test matches has the Oval hosted?
The Oval has hosted 112 Test matches to date.
How many spectators can the Oval hold?
The Oval can hold up to 23500 spectators for a Test match.
The Oval: Pitch report
The first glimpse of the pitch at Kennington Oval ahead of the 5th Test suggests early movement for seamers, raising concerns for India’s batting lineup. The surface, as revealed in visuals shared by RevSportz correspondent Subhayan Chakraborty, shows a generous layer of grass, something that could excite England’s pace attack and offer a stern test for India's top order.
However, history offers a different perspective. Traditionally, the final Test of the series has been played on a batting-friendly track, and this pattern may well repeat. The green covering on the surface is expected to be trimmed before the start of play, which could transform the wicket into a more balanced or even batter-friendly pitch as the match progresses.
If the grass is left untouched, both teams might opt for pace-heavy line-ups to exploit the movement early on. But if past experiences hold true and the wicket eases out, batting could dominate and team combinations will reflect that expectation.
The Oval: Average scores and toss results in Test matches
Total Matches | 112 |
Matches won batting first | 42 |
Matches won bowling first | 30 |
Average 1st innings Score | 338 |
Average 2nd innings Score | 300 |
Average 3rd innings Score | 237 |
Average 4th innings Score | 156 |
What happened in the previous Test match at the Oval?
In the previous Test match at The Oval, played from September 6 to 9, 2024, Sri Lanka secured a convincing 8-wicket victory over England.
The visitors outplayed the hosts in all departments, with their bowlers making full use of the conditions and their batters chasing down the target with composure.
What is the highest score by a team at the Oval in Test matches?
The highest team score in Test matches at The Oval is 903/7 declared by England against Australia on August 20, 1938. This monumental total was achieved in the first innings, with England eventually winning the match.
It remains one of the most iconic team performances in Test history and the highest ever recorded at this historic venue.
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What is the lowest score by a team at the Oval in Test matches?
The lowest team score in Test matches at The Oval is 44 all out, made by Australia against England on August 10, 1896. This collapse occurred in the fourth innings of the match, resulting in a heavy defeat for the visitors.
What is the highest individual score at the Oval in Test matches?
The highest individual score in Test matches at The Oval is 364 runs, made by Len Hutton for England against Australia on August 20, 1938. This historic innings came in the first innings of the match and played a key role in England's record total of 903/7 declared.
What is the best bowling figure at the Oval in Test matches?
The best bowling figures in a Test match at The Oval belong to Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 16 wickets for 220 runs against England for Sri Lanka on August 27, 1998. He bowled 113.5 overs, including 41 maidens, at an economy rate of 1.93.
Which batter has the most runs at the Oval in Test matches?
The batter with the most runs at The Oval in Test matches is Len Hutton of England, who scored 1,521 runs in 12 matches and 19 innings between 1937 and 1954. He averaged 89.47 at the venue, with a highest score of 364, which is also the highest individual score at The Oval.
Which bowler has the most wickets at the Oval in Test matches?
The bowler with the most wickets at The Oval in Test matches is Ian Botham of England, who took 52 wickets in 11 matches between 1978 and 1991. He delivered 2,615 balls (435.5 overs), claimed 5 five-wicket hauls, and recorded best innings figures of 6/125.
All stats via ESPN cricinfo
IND vs. ENG betting odds and tips, 5th Test match
According to Dafabet, England enter the final Test as favourites with odds of 1.60, thanks to their home advantage, stronger bowling depth, and the return of Jamie Overton.
India, priced at 2.23, face a tougher challenge without Jasprit Bumrah, though their batting looks solid after centuries from Sundar and Jadeja in the previous match.
Odds | |
England | 1.60 |
India | 2.23 |
* Odds are correct at time of publish but subject to change
TSN’s Betting Tips:
1. England to Win the Match: England’s stronger bowling depth and Bumrah’s absence from India’s attack give the hosts a clear edge to secure the series.
2. Joe Root to Score Over 50 Runs in 1st Innings: Root has scored centuries in his last two first innings and has an excellent record at The Oval, making him a strong pick to cross the 50 run mark.
3. England Total Runs Before Fall of 1st Wicket Over 28.5: Crawley and Duckett have crossed 28.5 runs before the first wicket in 7 of their last 9 innings against India.
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