The buzz around the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval has gone beyond team selections and strategies, with the pitch conditions becoming a major talking point. The unusually green surface laid out for this decider has triggered curiosity and debate in the cricketing world — and now, one of India’s most respected voices has joined the conversation.

Sunil Gavaskar takes a swipe on green pitch for the fifth Test

Talking on Sony Sports, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar took a sharp dig at England’s bowling setup, claiming that the hosts opted for a green-top at The Oval because they lacked genuine wicket-taking options. According to Gavaskar, with key pacers like Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Brandon Carse unavailable, England were banking on a bowler-friendly surface to boost the effectiveness of names like Josh Tongue. He asserted that the absence of proven strike bowlers forced the team management to manipulate conditions in their favour, rather than relying on skill alone.

“Arrey unke paas koi bowling hain hi nahi (They don’t have much of a bowling attack). this is why they have made such a pitch. Stokes has taken wickets, Archer has taken wickets and Carse has taken wickets. If they are not in your team, who will take wickets? This is why they have made such a pitch so that it helps bowlers like Tongue and Co,” Gavaskar said.

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Karun Nair and Washington Sundar steadied the Indian ship after early blows

India ended Day 1 at 204 for 6 after a hard-fought day on a green, bowler-friendly surface at The Oval. England’s pacers struck early under heavy cloud cover, reducing India to 153 for 6 before Karun Nair and Washington Sundar steadied the innings with a gritty 51-run stand. Nair remained unbeaten on 52—his first Test fifty in eight years—while Sundar held firm with 19 at stumps. The duo showed great composure against a moving ball and disciplined attack led by Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue. With conditions still aiding seam, Day 2 promises to be equally testing for batters.

ATCH: Gus Atkinson removes Yashasvi Jaiswal with a successful review as England land early blow on Day 1 of the Oval Test