In a major blow for England, Ben Stokes is ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India, starting on Thursday, July 31. The all-rounder, who was named the player of the match in the third and fourth Test for his all-round blitz, has suffered a shoulder injury. The hosts' designated vice-captain, Ollie Pope, will lead the side in the southpaw's absence.
Alongside the talismanic player, bowlers Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, and Brydon Carse will also miss the fifth Test. Jacob Bethell is included in the decider Test, slotting in at number six as England named the playing XI.
Ben Stokes, who was suffering from a hamstring and was also spotted clenching his right shoulder during his spell at the Oval, overburdened himself while bowling overs. The southpaw bowled 35 overs across both innings and was seen in discomfort, as the visitors secured a hard-earned draw in Manchester. While the hosts are leading the five-match Test series 2-1, India can draw level the series by securing a win at the Oval.
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England's playing XI for the Oval Test
England's XI: 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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Meanwhile, India has yet to announce their playing XI for the fifth & final Oval Test. There is a lot of chatter that Kuldeep Yadav, Bumrah, and Akash Deep will play the Test. While the spinner is yet to play a single Test in the ongoing series, pacer Akash deep missed out on the fourth Test due to injury.
