Ben Stokes ruled out of England vs India fifth Test at The Oval
England will be without captain Ben Stokes for the fifth Test against India at The Oval. He has suffered a biceps tendon injury that rules him out of the match. Ollie Pope steps up as captain, with four changes made to the squad.
Ollie Pope to lead as England reshuffle Test squad
Pope will captain the side for the fifth time in his Test career. Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue return to the XI. Archer and Brydon Carse have been rested after the intense Manchester Test, while Liam Dawson has been dropped. Chris Woakes leads a young seam attack that lacks experience but promises energy.
England’s bowling plans disrupted by Stokes injury
Stokes’ absence significantly alters England’s approach for the final Test against India. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series and scored a century in Manchester. The all-rounder picked up the injury on the last day at Old Trafford and later scans revealed a grade three tear. Without him, England lose balance in both batting and bowling.
Bethell and new faces boost England Test squad
Bethell will be the main spin option, supported by Joe Root’s part-time off-spin. Atkinson returns after proving his fitness in Surrey’s second XI. Overton earns a recall after three years, while Tongue slots back into the pace attack. Conditions at The Oval favour seamers, and a green pitch is expected to challenge batters throughout.
Confirmed England XI for the fifth Test against India
England’s final XI is: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue.
Impact of Stokes injury ahead of the Ashes
Missing the England vs India fifth Test could affect Stokes’ readiness for the Ashes later this year. He endured two hamstring injuries last season, and another long layoff may hurt England’s plans.
