The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has on Wednesday, July 30, named their playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, starting on Thursday, July 31, at The Oval in Kennington. England has made four changes to their Manchester Test XI.
In a major blow to the hosts, captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the final Test against India due to a right shoulder injury. On the other hand, English spinner Liam Dawson, along with the fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, will miss the fifth Test at The Oval.
Ben Stokes ruled out, Ollie Pope to lead England in fifth Test against India
In the absence of Ben Stokes, who delivered a record-breaking all-round performance in the fourth Test through the pain, Ollie Pope will lead the England cricket team as they aim to clinch the ongoing five-match Test series at The Oval after a disappointing draw in the Manchester Test against India.
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In their place, England has brought in Jacob Bethell, who is set to bat at No. 6 in the final test. Surrey’s pace duo Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton have also been named in the playing XI, along with Nottinghamshire fast bowler Josh Tongue. They have not picked a specialist spinner, relying on the part-time options in Jacob Bethell and Joe Root at The Oval.
The ECB said in an official media release: “The England Men’s team has announced four changes to their XI for the Rothesay Fifth Test against India. Ben Stokes is unavailable due to a right shoulder injury. Also missing out are spinner Liam Dawson and pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse. England has included Jacob Bethell, who will bat at No. 6. Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton come into the side, along with Josh Tongue.”
Ben Stokes targets Ashes comeback after injury setback
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes is expected to be out for about seven weeks as he recovers from a serious muscle injury. Such injuries usually take between six and ten weeks to heal, but England’s medical team is hopeful that the England captain will be fit within seven weeks.
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With the Ashes 2025 tour of Australia still over 14 weeks away, Stokes remains confident that he’ll be ready to lead the team in the five-match Test series later this year. He believes that the team’s success doesn’t rely on one player and that every team member has the potential to step up. He sees the final test against India as a chance for others to shine and win for the team.
Stokes stated, “We’ve still got a team of 11 match winners. One person doesn’t win you a game. Just because I’m playing or I’m not playing doesn’t mean we’re going to win or lose. This is an opportunity for 11 different people to put their hand up and hopefully win a game for England.”
England’s Playing XI for 5th 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
