Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Jul 30: England will be without Ben Stokes for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, starting Thursday, as the all-rounder has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. With a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, the hosts have made four changes to their playing XI, including naming Ollie Pope as stand-in captain.

Also missing from the side are Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse, with Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue coming in as replacements.

Stokes, who was visibly in discomfort during the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, said at a press conference:
“I came here this morning to give myself every chance to play just as a batter… But the risk was too high. I wouldn’t put any of my players at that risk either.”

With Stokes sidelined, England have a refreshed bowling attack led by Chris Woakes, supported by Atkinson, Overton, and Tongue. Bethell, making his debut, slots in at No. 6 and will share spin duties with Joe Root.

Several England players — Pope, Atkinson, Smith, and Overton — will enjoy a home advantage, having played extensively at The Oval for Surrey.

England’s Playing XI for 5th Test vs India:

1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope (captain)
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Jacob Bethell
7. Jamie Smith (wk)
8. Chris Woakes
9. Gus Atkinson
10. Jamie Overton
11. Josh Tongue

The final Test will decide whether England clinch the series or if India can level it 2-2.