In a major setback for England, captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India due to a right shoulder injury. Stokes was instrumental in the previous Test in Manchester, delivering a standout all-round performance with a century and a five-wicket haul.
In his absence, Ollie Pope will lead the side for the series finale, which begins Thursday, July 31, at The Oval in London.
Stokes has been England’s top performer in the series, finishing with 17 wickets at an average of 25.24 and scoring 304 runs at 43.43.
England Make Four Changes for Final Test
England have made four changes to their playing XI:
- Rested: Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse
- Dropped: Spinner Liam Dawson
- Returning: Josh Tongue (played first two Tests)
- Recalled: Gus Atkinson (last played in May vs Zimbabwe)
- Included: Jamie Overton (second career Test appearance), Jacob Bethell (21-year-old all-rounder)
Jacob Bethell, who made his debut during the 2024 New Zealand tour, replaces Stokes. He has impressed early in his Test career, scoring 260 runs in three matches at an average of 52, including three fifties.
Gus Atkinson returns after recovering from a hamstring injury, having recently proven his fitness playing for Surrey’s second XI.
England Squad for 5th Test vs India
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
England lead the five-match series 2-1, with wins in Leeds and a narrow victory at Lord’s.
