Ben Stokes Out of Fifth Test: Major Blow for England

England Captain Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Fifth India Test Due to Shoulder Injury

England’s hopes for a strong finish in the fifth Test against India have suffered a major setback as captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. The highly anticipated match, set to begin at The Oval on Thursday, will now be led by vice-captain Ollie Pope, while young batter Jacob Bethell gets a chance at number six.

The absence of Stokes—England’s talismanic all-rounder—adds to an already reshuffled squad, with key bowlers Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Liam Dawson also missing from the lineup. In their place, seamers Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton have been called up, while Chris Woakes retains his spot, ensuring his participation in every Test of the series.

England’s Revised XI for the Fifth Test

– Zak Crawley
– Ben Duckett
– Ollie Pope (captain)
– Joe Root
– Harry Brook
– Jacob Bethell
– Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
– Chris Woakes
– Gus Atkinson
– Jamie Overton
– Josh Tongue

Stokes’ Injury: A Major Blow for England

The shoulder injury has been a lingering concern for Ben Stokes, who visibly struggled during the final days of the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford. Despite bowling 24 overs in India’s first innings, his workload was reduced to just 11 overs in the second innings as discomfort in his right shoulder worsened.

His absence couldn’t come at a worse time, given his phenomenal recent form. Stokes was named Player of the Match in back-to-back Tests, showcasing his ability to single-handedly change the game. His standout performance in Manchester included a five-wicket haul (5-72) and a superb 141-run century—making him only the fourth Englishman in history to achieve both feats in the same Test.

Losing a player of his caliber leaves a significant void, both in leadership and on-field impact. His ability to inspire teammates and deliver under pressure has been pivotal in keeping England competitive throughout the series.

England’s Bowling Attack: A Cause for Concern?

With Stokes out, England’s seam attack looks considerably lighter. Josh Tongue, who impressed with 11 wickets across the first two Tests, will likely share the pace duties with Chris Woakes (10 wickets in the series) and newcomer Jamie Overton, whose only previous Test appearance came against New Zealand in 2022.

Gus Atkinson makes a return after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May. However, having played just one second XI game since, his match fitness remains uncertain.

Another concern is the lack of a frontline spinner, leaving part-time options like Jacob Bethell and Joe Root to fill in. Given India’s strong batting lineup, England’s bowling unit faces an uphill battle to contain them effectively.

What This Means for the Series

With the series currently tied 2-2, the fifth Test will determine the winner in what has been a fiercely contested battle. India, despite missing key players at times, have shown resilience, while England’s aggressive approach has kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Stokes’ absence shifts the balance slightly, placing extra responsibility on Ollie Pope to lead with both bat and captaincy. Meanwhile, young talents like Bethell and Atkinson have a golden opportunity to make their mark on the international stage.

Final Thoughts

The shoulder injury that has sidelined Ben Stokes is undoubtedly a setback for England, but it opens the door for new faces to step up. As The Oval prepares to host the decider, all eyes will be on how England’s reshuffled lineup responds to the challenge.

One thing is certain: cricket fans are in for a thrilling conclusion to what has already been an unforgettable series.