Ahead of the fifth Test between India and England, BCCI have posted a motivational video featuring coach Gautam Gambhir and visuals of the Indian team in practice at The Oval. India go into the contest with a chance to level the series 2-2, earning a series draw just like they did in 2021-22.In the video, the BCCI used Gambhir’s words at the very start of the series as he tried to motivated the young squad, a team that is in transition after the retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.“All I want to say is there are two ways of looking at this tour: One is that we are without our three most experienced players or we got this phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country because there is no bigger honour. Let’s go,” he had said.Going into the contest, England and India are set to field significantly altered teams for the decisive Test at The Oval starting Thursday, with England captain Ben Stokes ruled out due to a shoulder injury and India facing uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability.England have made four changes to their side following the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford. Spin-bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell will make his first Test appearance of 2025 in place of Stokes.Stokes’ absence is a major setback for England as he recently became the fourth English cricketer to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test at Old Trafford. He is also the series’ leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets at 25.23.“I am obviously disappointed to not be able to finish the series. Bowling was ruled out as soon as we got the scan results,” Stokes told reporters on Wednesday.England’s pace attack will see Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton joining the team, while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are rested. Liam Dawson has been dropped, leaving England without a specialist spinner.India’s team selection hinges on Bumrah’s availability. The world’s top-ranked Test bowler has already played three games in the series, as planned due to his previous back injury, and bowled 33 overs at Old Trafford.“We are going to take a decision tomorrow (Thursday). The wicket looks pretty green. So, we will see how it turns out,” India captain Shubman Gill said Wednesday.India could recall Akash Deep, who claimed 10 wickets in the second Test at Edgbaston but missed the Lord’s Test due to a groin injury. They must also replace wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who fractured his foot in Manchester, with Dhruv Jurel taking over.The series has been marked by growing tensions. India refused to shake hands for an early draw in the fourth Test after Gill accused England of time-wasting tactics at Lord’s. A dispute also erupted between India coach Gautam Gambhir and Oval groundsman Lee Fortis.“I think once the match is over, there is mutual respect between both the teams,” Gill said regarding the series’ heated moments.
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