England announce squad for 5th Test against India, star all-rounder added as cover for captain Ben Stokes

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England announce squad for 5th Test against India, star all-rounder added as cover for captain Ben Stokes
England bowler Jamie Overton celebrates with Ben Stokes after taking the wicket of Tom Latham during day three of the third Test at Headingley on June 25, 2022 in Leeds, England.

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Jamie Overton has been added to the squad.

Ben Stokes struggled with his hamstring during Manchester Test.

England are unlikely to play Overton until and unless Stokes is unable to bowl.

England Cricket Board (ECB) on July 28 announced their 15-member squad for the fifth and final Test of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Pace-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has been added to the squad. 

It is understood that Overton has been added as cover for captain Ben Stokes who struggled with his hamstring during the Manchester Test which ended in a draw. 

Overton was part of England's squad for first three Tests but did not get a place in the playing XI. If Stokes is fit, there is a possibility that Overton may replace Chris Woakes or Brydon Carse.

Gus Atkinson is waiting in the wings as well. In the fourth Test, Carse was not at his best on a pitch that favoured batters. He remained wicketless after bowling 38 overs. 

England's squad for 5th Test against India -

Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes

Overton's long absence from Test playing XI

Overton's last and only Test appearance was against New Zealand. He scored 97 runs, rescuing England from 6/55 alongside Jonny Bairstow who scored 162. He took two wickets in the Test at Headingley, Leeds which England won by seven wickets.

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Overton's recent form

Overton was released to represent Surrey against Yorkshire in the County Championship Division One 2025. He was dismissed for 18 and remained wicketless as he conceded 81 runs from 14 overs and remained wickeless. He played five T20Is in the T20 Blast during the Test series where he claimed three wickets and scored just 12 runs from four innings.

ALSO READ: 'I don't think there would've been too much satisfaction from walking off a hundred not out': Ben Stokes still rattled by Ravindra Jadeja refusing to accept draw

Overton's first-class record

31-year-old Overton has played 98 first-class games. He has 2,401 runs at an average of 21.82, including a century and 13 fifties. With the ball, he has 237 wickets at an average of 31.23, including six five-wicket hausl.