This video can not be played
India secured a dramatic final Test victory by six runs, resulting in a series draw after a captivating contest.
The series will be remembered as an instant classic. Was it the most compelling in the UK since 2005? The argument is certainly compelling.
Remarkably, all five Tests extended into the fifth day, a first since 2004, demanding immense resilience from both the England and India squads.
Despite ultimately falling short of securing their first five-Test series win since 2018, England displayed numerous positive aspects throughout the contest.
The series outcome is expected to foster stability within the squad as they prepare for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia in November. Extensive changes are neither anticipated nor advisable.
While some players strengthened their positions, others may feel they could have contributed more significantly.
Here’s our assessment of the 16 players who represented England during the series. We invite you to share your own evaluations in the comments section below.
Ben Duckett: The opener’s masterful 149 in the first Test set the stage for victory. However, his inability to convert solid starts into further centuries was a disappointment. Nevertheless, Duckett’s consistent aggressive starts, coupled with his growing influence as a leader ready to challenge Australia, solidify his position as a key player for England. 7
Zak Crawley: With no centuries and an average of 32.22, Crawley’s series performance mirrored his career average over 59 Tests. This will likely fuel calls for his replacement, although that remains improbable. Captain Ben Stokes and the team management have consistently emphasized his valuable partnerships with Duckett and maintain that his style is well-suited to Australian conditions. Changing course now would be a significant decision. 5
Ollie Pope: Pope’s series followed a similar pattern, with a century in his first innings followed by limited success. The disparity between his first and second innings records remains a concern. The emergence of Bethell poses a challenge to his place, but Pope is likely to retain his position at number three. His captaincy in Stokes’ absence at The Oval lacked inspiration. 5
Joe Root: Root’s exceptional form continues, with 537 runs, three centuries, and an average of 67.1. England’s hopes in Australia hinge on Root finally scoring his first Test century there. 9
This video can not be played
Siraj dismisses Crawley for 14 on the final delivery of day three.
Harry Brook: Two centuries and a score of 99 highlight Brook’s strongest home summer to date, solidifying his place for the Ashes. England will rely on him to perform at his peak. 8
Ben Stokes: Stokes’ return to full bowling form, claiming 17 wickets in 140 overs, was a major positive for England. His captain’s innings of 141 at Old Trafford further silenced any doubts about his batting prowess. The defeat at The Oval, where he was sidelined due to injury, underscored his crucial leadership role. He is confident he will recover from his shoulder injury to fully participate in the Ashes. Without him, England’s chances are significantly diminished. 9
Jamie Smith: Smith’s unbeaten 184 in the second Test at Edgbaston was arguably the series’ defining innings, showcasing his immense potential. However, his form declined sharply, with low scores in his final four innings. He appeared physically and mentally fatigued at The Oval, failing to guide England to victory on the final morning. Australia will present an even greater challenge. 7
Chris Woakes: Woakes deserves immense credit for his courageous batting performance with a sling during the Oval finale. This should further enhance his reputation as a double World Cup winner and modern-day great. While the flat pitches and his status as the only England bowler to play all five Tests should be considered, his 11 wickets at an average of 52.1 suggest a bowler nearing the end of his career. His shoulder injury could jeopardize his Ashes participation, but England may have already moved on. 6
This video can not be played
‘Here he comes!’ – Woakes emerges to bat with his arm in a sling.
Brydon Carse: Nine wickets at 60.9 in four matches do not fully reflect Carse’s impressive bowling spells during his first home summer as a Test cricketer. He stood out as England’s best seamer in the first two Tests, with his two wickets in the second innings at Lord’s proving pivotal. He is expected to play a significant role this winter. 7
Josh Tongue: Tongue’s series is difficult to assess. Despite participating in only three Tests, he finished as England’s leading wicket-taker with 19. While this is somewhat flattering, he secured more top-order dismissals than lower-order wickets by the end of the series. Despite a wayward spell in the first innings at The Oval, England will focus on positives, such as his five-wicket haul in the second. While not a guaranteed starter, he is expected to be part of the Ashes bowling group. 6
Shoaib Bashir: Bashir claimed 10 expensive wickets before fracturing a finger in the third Test at Lord’s. Ironically, he may have benefited more from the two Tests he missed. Liam Dawson failed to capitalize on his opportunity at Old Trafford, and Jacob Bethell’s spin is not yet developed enough. England may ultimately revert to Bashir, as no spinner since Graeme Swann has consistently taken wickets at a higher rate. 6
Jofra Archer: Archer’s return was another major boost for England this summer. After a four-year absence, he seamlessly reintegrated into the team at Lord’s. His five wickets there were followed by four more at Old Trafford. Had Root not dropped Ravindra Jadeja off his bowling in the second innings in Manchester, England might have won the series. He must be transported to Perth with utmost care. 8
This video can not be played
Tongue claims a five-wicket haul as India sets England a target of 374 runs to win.
Liam Dawson: Dawson failed to seize the opportunity at Old Trafford, taking only one wicket in 62 overs. This performance likely met expectations, as Dawson is a reliable and accurate spinner, but not one to dismantle batting line-ups with magical deliveries. Consequently, he and England’s Test team do not appear to be a perfect match. 4
Gus Atkinson: Atkinson’s eight wickets at The Oval, following a frustrating summer marred by injury, were timely. While others like Carse and Archer had impressed recently, the Surrey quick reminded England of his reliability. Accurate and capable of producing wickets unexpectedly, Atkinson should open the bowling in the first Ashes Test. 7
Jacob Bethell: This rating may seem harsh given that the supremely talented 21-year-old was thrust into a high-pressure finale with limited first-class experience. Scores of six and five, including a poor dismissal in the second innings, reflected his lack of preparation. However, England’s faith remains unshaken. He will travel to Australia and could potentially challenge Pope with strong white-ball performances against South Africa in September. 3
Jamie Overton: Overton is a favorite of coach Brendon McCullum, but his selection for the fifth Test was questionable. While he improved and had catches dropped off his bowling, his aggressive, short-pitched style was not suited to the pitch. He gains a point for his resilience while Woakes was injured but loses one for failing to secure the win, given that his batting ability was a key factor in his selection. 5
Following their white-ball matches against South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand, England’s next Test is the Ashes opener on November 21st.
We asked the Test Match Special team to share their preferred lineup for that first match in Australia…
BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Carse, Archer, Wood.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Archer, Wood, Carse/Tongue.
Ex-England batter Ebony Rainford-Brent: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Archer, Wood, Bashir.
Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Wood, Archer, Carse, Atkinson.
Ex-England spinner Phil Tufnell: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Archer, Wood, Carse/Tongue.
BBC chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt: Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith, Atkinson, Archer, Wood, Bashir.
‘England and India provided the most intense, dramatic, and emotional finale’
Who strengthened their Ashes prospects? Who underperformed? England’s player ratings.
England v India: India emerges victorious in a classic at The Oval.
Get the latest cricket news delivered directly to your phone.
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser