Stokes’ Absence Exposes England’s Vulnerabilities Ahead of Decisive Oval Test
England’s hopes in the final Test against India at The Oval are dented as Ben Stokes is ruled out with a shoulder injury, exposing gaps in the lineup and raising questions ahead of the Ashes.
Five overs of cricket have been played amid controversy over handshakes, on-field clashes and Ben Stokes’ latest injury.
Stokes’ sudden withdrawal gives England a stark glimpse of life without their leading all-rounder as they prepare for the series-deciding Test against India at The Oval.
The stakes are high: a first series victory over India since 2018, a maiden five-Test series win since that year, and a preview of the upcoming Ashes tour in Australia.
Stokes is sidelined by a grade-three tear in his right shoulder, following hamstring surgery and previous knee and finger operations. His absence raises questions about England’s depth.
The 34-year-old has been sensational this series, taking 17 wickets—the most of his career in a single Test series—and bowling 140 overs. He also scored a century at Old Trafford and executed the match-turning run out of Rishabh Pant at Lord’s.
In response, England have drafted in Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton, while relying on seniors like Chris Woakes. Injuries to Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir and Matthew Potts leave the attack stretched.
India, without Jasprit Bumrah, remain dangerous after their escape at Old Trafford, which skipper Shubman Gill described as a morale-boosting win.
The series has been defined by tight finishes, heated exchanges and debates over the spirit of cricket, a tone set during the third Test at Lord’s and renewed at The Oval.
As England seek to clinch the series, concerns linger over Stokes’ readiness for the Ashes and whether this could mark his last appearance on home soil.
England’s depth is under scrutiny as Ben Stokes’ shoulder injury forces a reshaped lineup in a high-stakes finale against India, with Ashes questions already on the horizon.
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