Ben Stokes Sits Out Fifth Test Against India Due to Shoulder Injury
England cricket captain Ben Stokes has decided to miss the fifth and final Test against India at the KIA Oval due to a shoulder injury. Despite his desire to play, he withdrew after consulting with medical professionals, feeling that participating would be too risky. In his place, vice-captain Ollie Pope will take charge of the team.
Stokes, 34, has been in impressive form throughout the series, earning Player of the Match honors twice at both Lord’s and Old Trafford. In four Tests, he has amassed 304 runs, averaging 43.42, while also claiming 17 wickets, including a notable five-wicket haul.
“I’m disappointed. There’s a significant tear in my shoulder muscles. I was hoping to contribute with my batting, but after discussions with the medical team, we decided the risk was too high,” Stokes shared in a pre-match press conference. “I wouldn’t expect anyone to take such a risk in my position.”
Even though Stokes will be absent, he remains confident in his team’s abilities as they prepare for the crucial match starting on Thursday, July 31. “One player doesn’t determine the outcome of a game. Whether I’m in or out, the team has what it takes to succeed,” he stated.
Stokes has played a crucial role in this series, bowling the most overs he has since the 2013-14 Ashes, totaling 140 overs. Alongside him, players Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse will also miss the final match, prompting England to call up Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue as replacements.
England’s Playing XI for the Oval Test:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope (C)
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jacob Bethell
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Gus Atkinson
- Jamie Overton
- Josh Tongue
Stay tuned for more updates as the match unfolds.
