England will be sailing without captain Ben Stokes in the final Test against India at The Oval, as he has sustained a right shoulder injury. It is a tough call for the star all-rounder after coming this close to winning the series 3-1 after being hit with shoulder and hamstring issues during the fourth Test in Manchester.
Besides Stokes, pacers Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and spin sensation Liam Dawson are also big names who have been officially ruled out by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
As Stokes steps out, vice-captain Ollie Pope will take over the captaincy duties, taking in more responsibilities as England aim to secure the series at home. Jacob Bethell has been drafted into the playing XI and will bat at No.6, making his return to the Test setup after a long wait.
“I am obviously disappointed. I have got a decent tear in one of the muscles I can’t pronounce. We took as long as we could to make the decision around that.” Stokes expressed in the press conference held on Wednesday. As England will return to red-ball cricket next time only for the Ashes, coming soon this winter, the ruled-out all-rounder and skipper has plenty of time to recover to be available for the much-awaited series against Australia.
England have made four changes at the eleventh hour to the side that drew the fourth Test in Manchester. To bolster their bowling attack, England have recalled quicks Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton—providing fresh legs after the bowlers toiled for 143 overs in India’s second innings at Old Trafford.
England Playing XI for 5th Test vs India at The Oval:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
With the series delicately poised, the Oval Test is expected to deliver a dramatic conclusion. The absence of Stokes is a big blow, but England’s fresh bowling unit and the leadership of Ollie Pope set the stage for an intriguing final encounter.
