Injury sidelines Ben Stokes for Oval Test as Ollie Pope appointed captain
England captain Ben Stokes is ruled out of the fifth Test against India at The Oval due to a shoulder injury, with Ollie Pope stepping in as captain and new faces in the bowling attack.
Stokes ruled out of final Test
England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth Test against India at The Oval due to a shoulder injury.
Pope to lead as lineup changes
Vice-captain Ollie Pope will take the helm for the opening day on Thursday, with youngster Jacob Bethell promoted to bat at number six.
England have made three changes to their seam attack: Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton come in, while Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and spinner Liam Dawson drop out. Chris Woakes retains his place, having featured in every match of the series.
Full England XI
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope (captain)
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jacob Bethell
- Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
- Chris Woakes
- Gus Atkinson
- Jamie Overton
- Josh Tongue
Impact on England's attack
Stokes, who was instrumental in the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford—taking 5-72 and scoring 141—struggled with his shoulder across the final three days. His absence leaves England light on frontline seam options, relying on part-time spin from Bethell and Joe Root.
England lose their inspirational captain ahead of the decisive Oval Test, prompting a reshuffle in both leadership and bowling depth.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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