England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval due to a shoulder injury, with Ollie Pope set to lead the side in his absence. The Test, which begins on Thursday, will determine the final outcome of a tightly-contested series, with England leading 2-1.
Stokes’ injury, sustained during the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, has proven too severe for him to feature. The all-rounder had bowled 35 overs across both innings and was visibly struggling with his right shoulder late in the match. His absence is a major blow, given his match-winning performance in Manchester where he took 5-72 and scored a brilliant 141 — becoming just the fourth Englishman to achieve a five-wicket haul and a century in the same Test.
Jacob Bethell has been brought in to bat at number six, while Pope — who has been in strong form this summer — takes on captaincy duties for the first time. Bethell, 21, impressed during England’s tour of New Zealand last winter, scoring three half-centuries in as many Tests, and has been widely tipped for a regular Test role.
The bowling attack sees a significant overhaul with three changes: Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and spinner Liam Dawson all miss out. Seamers Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton come into the side. Chris Woakes, who has been a constant in the series, retains his place despite the short turnaround between matches.
England XI for fifth Test v India:
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Zak Crawley
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Ben Duckett
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Ollie Pope (captain)
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Joe Root
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Harry Brook
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Jacob Bethell
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Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
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Chris Woakes
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Gus Atkinson
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Jamie Overton
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Josh Tongue
Atkinson returns from a hamstring injury and has played only limited cricket since his last international appearance in May. Overton also comes in with limited match practice following a finger injury. With no specialist spinner in the XI, England will rely on Joe Root and Bethell for part-time spin duties.
Stokes’ absence also deprives England of crucial experience and balance, particularly with the ball. His replacement options – Tongue and Atkinson – have limited experience: Tongue impressed with 11 wickets in the first two Tests, while Atkinson and Overton return from injury layoffs and lack recent top-flight game time.
India, meanwhile, are expected to make changes of their own. Star wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has been ruled out with a fractured foot, while premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested, having reached the three-Test cap set by India prior to the series.
With the series still alive and the hosts needing at least a draw to seal it, England will hope their new-look attack can hold firm without their inspirational captain.