England have been dealt a major blow ahead of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, with skipper Ben Stokes ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Vice-captain Ollie Pope will lead the side in the series decider, starting Thursday, July 31.
Scans have confirmed that Stokes has suffered a grade three muscle tear in his right shoulder, sidelining him for at least six to seven weeks. With the Ashes looming later this year, the England all-rounder is not taking any chances with his recovery.
Stokes has been the standout performer with the ball in this series, finishing as the leading wicket-taker and workhorse across both teams. Despite his optimism after the Manchester Test, the injury has forced him out of the finale.
Stokes was named Player of the Match in both the Lord’s and Manchester Tests for his all-round efforts. It’s a big blow for the hosts, who are leading the five-match series by a margin of 2-1.
Also missing from England’s XI are Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse. In their place, England have named Jacob Bethell—who is slated to come in at No. 6—alongside pacers Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue in the playing XI. Chris Woakes retains his spot and will spearhead the bowling attack for a fifth consecutive match.
England’s XI for the Fifth Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
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