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England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India due to a shoulder injury, with Ollie Pope set to lead the side in his absence. The match is scheduled to begin on Thursday at The Oval.
Stokes, who has been in outstanding form throughout the series, suffered a shoulder injury during the fourth Test at Old Trafford. He bowled 24 overs in India’s first innings but could only manage 11 in the second. On the final day, he was visibly struggling, frequently holding his right shoulder during his bowling spell.
His absence is a major setback for England. In the fourth Test, he produced a brilliant all-round performance, taking 5-72 and scoring 141 runs. With that display, he became only the fourth England cricketer to claim a five-wicket haul and score a century in the same Test match.
In his place, Jacob Bethell comes into the playing XI and will bat at number six. Pope, who takes over as captain, will also continue to bat at number three.
England have made further changes to their bowling line-up. Fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, who featured in the fourth Test, have both been left out, along with spinner Liam Dawson.
In their place, seamers Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton have been included. Chris Woakes, who has been consistent with the ball, retains his spot.
Atkinson is making his comeback from a hamstring injury he sustained during England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May. Since then, he has only played one second XI game.
With Dawson missing out, England will go into the match without a specialist spinner. Joe Root and Jacob Bethell are likely to handle the spin duties if required.
England playing XI for fifth Test against India:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.
