England find themselves in unfamiliar territory — battered, bruised and labelled underdogs at home — as they head into the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval on July 31.
A valiant fourth-day draw by India in Manchester has tilted the psychological edge in their favour. After following on 311 runs behind and crumbling to 0/2, India clawed their way back to 425/4, thanks to fighting centuries from all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (107)* and *Washington Sundar (101)**, and a captain’s knock from Shubman Gill (103).
The game may have ended in a draw, but the damage to England was deeper — physical, tactical, and emotional.
Psychologically, it was like a win for India. England looked battered, bruised… they’d given up. They’re not used to visiting teams showing that kind of fight. They didn’t know what to do. They’re Tired and Irritated – India Hold the Upper Hand.
England’s frustrations boiled over on Day 5 when Jadeja and Sundar refused to accept Ben Stokes’s handshake offer, batting on to complete their centuries.
Panesar, who played 50 Tests and claimed 167 wickets for England, believes the hosts are “a tired team with an exhausted bowling unit.”
“143 overs in the field... they may rest seamers. India have the edge. England are not used to entering a series-decider in such a way. Make no mistake – they’re the underdogs.”
Gill Leads the Run Riot as India Moves Beyond Kohli-Rohit Era
Four of the top five run-scorers in the series are Indian — Gill (722), KL Rahul (511), Rishabh Pant (479) and Jadeja (454) — with nine centuries between them. Their dominance has, according to Panesar, ended any nostalgia around Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma.
That’s the strength of Indian cricket. They haven’t missed Virat, Rohit or even Ashwin. Gill’s in such sublime form, no one’s even talking about Virat anymore. Indian cricket has moved on.
Kuldeep on the Bench Again? Panesar Justifies India’s Call
Despite the Manchester Test exposing India’s lack of control with the ball — England posting 669 thanks to centuries from Joe Root (150) and Ben Stokes (141) — mystery spinner Kuldeep Yadav remained on the bench.
Fans and experts criticised India’s decision to pick rookie pacer Anshul Kamboj ahead of Kuldeep, but Panesar doesn’t agree.
India want spinners who can bat. That’s the game plan. Kuldeep doesn’t fit in unless the pitch is turning square. Sundar and Jadeja getting hundreds proved that. Kuldeep should never have been in this squad. Pick a fast bowler or specialist batter instead.
Kuldeep’s overseas record — 18 wickets in 4 away Tests at 19.55 — has raised eyebrows, but Panesar believes head coach Gautam Gambhir will stick to his tried-and-tested formula.
“Gambhir clearly values depth. He’ll pick spinners who can bat. That’s his blueprint going forward.”
All to Play for at The Oval
With tempers flaring, emotions high, and both teams carrying scars into the final game, The Oval promises high drama.
India will be hunting a rare overseas series win. England will look to regain pride. But as Monty Panesar bluntly puts it: “India are the favourites. England are wounded. And everyone knows what happens when India smell blood.”
