LONDON — August 5, 2025
England fell just six runs short in a dramatic fifth Test against India at The Oval on Monday, as one of the most enthralling series in recent memory ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite the heartbreak, the series offered crucial insights ahead of England’s next red-ball challenge — the five-match Ashes tour of Australia, starting this November.
Here are the major lessons England can take from their rollercoaster campaign against India as they prepare for another tilt at Ashes glory, still seeking their first win “Down Under” since 2010/11.
🔥 1. The Ben Stokes Factor: Irreplaceable Leadership and All-Round Brilliance
Ben Stokes’ absence in the final Test was glaring. Sidelined with a shoulder injury, the England skipper — already managing hamstring issues — had been England’s most effective bowler in the series, taking 17 wickets at 25 in 140 overs.
He also returned to batting form, smashing 141 runs in England’s colossal 669-run total at Old Trafford in the fourth Test.
By contrast, opener Zak Crawley failed to register a single century across nine innings, raising fresh concerns about England’s top order.
Perhaps most telling was the sight of vice-captain Ollie Pope running off the field at The Oval to receive apparent tactical instructions from Stokes — a moment that exposed a leadership void in his absence.
Harry Brook, England’s white-ball captain and a dynamic figure in the red-ball squad, may emerge as a stronger vice-captaincy candidate heading into the Ashes.
⚡ 2. Fast Bowling Arsenal: Fitness Concerns and New Contenders
Winning in Australia often hinges on genuine pace, but injuries threaten England’s plans.
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Jofra Archer made a promising return but played just two Tests due to workload management.
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Mark Wood, another express pacer, hasn’t featured in a red-ball match for nearly a year and is still recovering from knee surgery.
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Josh Tongue impressed with 19 wickets at under 30, making a strong case for Ashes selection.
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Gus Atkinson, with a five-wicket haul at The Oval, added depth to England’s pace pool.
But consistency and fitness will be key concerns for selectors.
🧠 3. Spinning Options: Bashir Backed Despite Mixed Results
England’s spin strategy remains a puzzle. Young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has become a favorite of Stokes, despite 68 Test wickets at an average of 39 — and 10 wickets at 54.1 against India before being sidelined with a finger injury.
Veteran Liam Dawson failed to capitalize on his opportunity, with Stokes frequently seen directing his field settings and bowling lines — not a vote of confidence.
Meanwhile, Rehan Ahmed, the 20-year-old leggie from Leicestershire and England’s youngest-ever Test cricketer, remains a wildcard option.
England even opted for no specialist spinner at The Oval, using Joe Root and Jacob Bethell — the latter dismissed cheaply during a rash second-innings charge — for just 11 overs combined.
🗣️ Ponting: Stick with Bashir for Australian Conditions
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes England would be wise to retain Shoaib Bashir for the Ashes due to his similarity to Aussie stalwart Nathan Lyon.
“Australia will likely field three or four left-handers — a perfect setup for a right-arm off-spinner,” Ponting told Sky Sports. “And it’s the over-spin that you need in Australia.”
With Lyon having wreaked havoc on English batting in previous Ashes series, England may hope Bashir can develop into a similar threat on bouncy Australian tracks.
🧳 The Road to the Ashes
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First Ashes Test: November 14, 2025
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Last England win in Australia: 2010/11
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Form concerns: Inconsistent top order, injury-prone fast bowlers, unclear spin pecking order
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Strengths: Leadership under Stokes, emerging quicks, tactical depth
Despite the disappointment at The Oval, England’s performance against a powerful Indian side provides both optimism and valuable data points ahead of their ultimate test: regaining the Ashes on Australian soil.
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