Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Series-Deciding 5th Test Against India at The Oval

In a significant blow to England’s hopes in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and deciding match against India due to a shoulder injury. The Oval Test begins this Thursday, with vice-captain Ollie Pope set to lead the side in Stokes’ absence.

STOKES SIDELINED WITH SHOULDER TEAR

Stokes, England’s standout performer throughout the series, suffered a tear in one of his shoulder muscles during the fourth Test. The injury was aggravated as he bowled extended spells while India batted for over 140 overs across five sessions to force a draw. Stokes bowled 35 overs in that match and was visibly in discomfort during the latter stages.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Stokes said:

“I've got a decent tear of one of the muscles that I can't pronounce. We waited as long as we could before making the call. It’s always emotional with these decisions, but the risk of further damage was too high.”

“I wouldn’t expect any of my teammates to play with this kind of injury. It’s simply not worth the long-term consequences.”

Stokes exits the series as England’s most influential player, having scored 304 runs—including a century in Manchester—and claiming 17 wickets at an average of claimedncluding one five-wicket haul. He was named Player of the Match in both the third and fourth Tests.

ENGLAND’S XI FOR 5TH TEST: MAJOR CHANGES IN BOWLING LINE-UP

With Stokes ruled out, England have made a total of four changes for the final Test. Fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, along with spinner Liam Dawson, have also been omitted from the squad.

Jofra Archer featured in two Tests, picking up nine wickets at an average of 28.66. He played a crucial role in England’s third Test win at Edgbaston.

Brydon Carse played all four Tests but was less effective, taking nine wickets at a high average of 60.88.

Liam Dawson made a single appearance in Manchester his first Test since 2017 and took o,ne wicket.

New Inclusions,: Bethell, Atkinson, Overton, Tongue

England have brought in four fresh faces:

Hasb Bethell will debut at No. 6.

Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton, both from Surrey, bolster the bowling attack.

Josh Tongue, the Nottinghamshire quick, also returns to the squad.

ENGLAND’S PLAYING XI FOR 5th TEST VS INDIA:

1. Zak Crawley

2. Ben Duckett

3. Ollie Pope (captain)

4. Joe Root

5. Harry Brook

6. Jacob Bethell

7. Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)

8. Chris Woakes

9. Gus Atkinson

10. Jamie Overton

11. Josh Tongue

SERIES AT A GLANCE: ENGLAND LEAD 2-1

Heading into the final match, England hold a 2-1 advantage in the five-match series:

1st Test (Leeds): England won by five wickets

2nd Test (Birmingham): India bounced back with a commanding 336-run victory

3rd Test (Lord’s): England edged out India in a thriller

4th Test (Manchester): Match ended in a draw

INDIA’S POOR RECORD AT THE OVAL

Despite India’s recent resurgence, its record at The Oval remains undeniable. In 15 matches played at the venue, India have secured only two victories:

First in 1971 under Ajit Wadekar

Second in 2021 under Virat Kohli

With the series finely poised and a historic trophy on the line, the Oval Test promises to be a thrilling decider albeit without one of the biggest names in world cricket.