England vs India, 2018: England's Predicted XI for 5th Test

Once again it was England who held their nerves and won the fourth Test by a margin of 60 runs. Moeen Ali was the difference with the ball for England whose nine-wicket haul in the match proved to be a match-winning one for England.

England will now head to the beautiful Kennington Oval for the fifth and the final match of the series. The fifth Test will turn out to be the final appearance for England's legendary batsman Alastair Cook who is set to retire from international cricket.

England has announced a strong 13-member squad for the fifth Test. The Englishmen are expected to make a bit of change to their playing XI for the fifth Test. Thus, in this feature, we will have a look at England's predicted XI for the fifth Test.

England's 5th Test Squad: Joe Root (C), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, and Chris Woakes.

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#1 Openers: Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings

For the one last time, Alastair Cook, England's batting great, will field the 22 yards in his long career of over 12,000 Test runs - a number that only few could achieve. Cook has been one of the best openers for England in the scheme of Test cricket. He will hope to end his Test journey on a good note with a fantastic performance in the fifth Test.

The reports have come up stating that Cook might miss his farewell Test because his wife Alice is expecting their third child that may coincide with his farewell game, and push Cook to leave The Oval for the hospital instead.

However, with England having included him in the squad and no further follow-ups to the news, Cook is all set to play his final international game on Friday.

Joining Cook would be the left-handed batsman, Keaton Jennings. The left-hander hasn't been able to put up an impressive show in this series. Precisely, the southpaw has failed to counter the new ball much like every other opener in the series. Nevertheless, with England showing some faith in him and retaining him in the squad, he will look to end the series on a high.

#2 Middle-Order: Joe Root (C) and Jonny Bairstow

At No.3 would be England's captain, Joe Root. Root has been exceptional in this series, notably as a captain. Although he has failed to replicate his captaincy heroics in batting, he promises to be a threat for India in the fifth Test as well. Thus, with a decent hand in the second innings of the fourth Test, Root calls for more in the fifth Test.

Having injured his hand in the third Test, Jonny Bairstow was chosen as a specialist batsman in the fourth Test with England handing over the wicket-keeping duties to Jos Buttler. His injury was seen taking a toll on his performances in the fourth Test as he failed to rake up runs at will. However, Bairstow is least likely to get the axing for the fifth Test.

#3 Wicket-keeper: Jos Buttler

Injured Bairstow meant Jos Buttler was asked to don the gloves for the fourth Test. Buttler seemed to have enjoyed the responsibility in the fourth Test. His performances in this series have been quite impressive. To be precise, he has been the highest run-scorer for England in this series.

With 21 in 1st innings and 69 in 2nd innings, Buttler was quite efficient in the fourth Test with the bat. Moreover, no decision has been taken over the fitness status of Jonny Bairstow. Thus, Buttler is most likely to retain the gloves after making a successful return to the role in the fourth Test.

#4 All-rounders: Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, and Sam Curran

Oh boy! What a player Ben Stokes has been for England. He has been the vital cog for England in this series. With an ability to strike big at difficult situations, he has been a player to have for England in this series. Hence, cometh the fifth Test, Stokes will be retaining his place in the playing XI.

Once again, Moeen Ali ended up becoming the villain of India's fourth innings hope. With a nine-wicket haul and some quality stuff in batting, Ali proved to be the difference between India and England.

Ali's smart use of the rough patches made the life harder for India in the course of the match. Thus, he will be retaining his deserved place in the playing XI for the fifth Test.

Having missed the fourth Test due to a muscle problem, Chris Woakes was drafted back into the squad for the fifth Test. With the advent of Moeen Ali and under-usage of Adil Rashid, England could go back to their premier bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes if he is perfectly fit.

Besides, Woakes addition could also strengthen their lower-order in terms of quality batting. Thus, there are decent chances of Woakes replacing Adil for the fifth and the final Test match of the series.

Sam Curran, England's new age all-rounder, has been the find of the series. With an ability to bat down the order and make the ball do all the talking, he has established himself as one of the most valuable players for England in this series. Hence his place in the playing XI for the fifth Test is certain.

#5 Pacers: Stuart Broad and James Anderson

With the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, this English bowling line-up has been the best in Test cricket in the recent past. The legendary pair has done wonders for England in the longer formats of the game.

James Anderson is just five wickets shy from surpassing the tally of 564 wickets of the legendary Glenn McGrath. Scalping these five wickets, he will become the highest ever wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket. Meanwhile, with 431 wickets, Stuart Broad has been another legend of the game.

Safe to say, Stuart Broad and James Anderson, the legendary bowling pair in the context of red ball cricket, will be holding their place in the fifth Test as well.