Hosts England have chosen their playing XI for the fifth and final Test in the ongoing series against India. However, there is one major disappointment for the English team: they will be without captain Ben Stokes. Due to a significant injury to his right shoulder, the ace all-rounder will miss the series’ final match. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news, announcing that vice-captain Ollie Pope will lead.
The Three Lions’ pack in place of Ben Stokes for the encounter on July 31.
Jofra Archer, like Brydon Carse, has been missing from the pace assault. In fact, England has changed their whole bowling attack since the previous game, with comeback man Liam Dawson also being denied a place in the squad for the upcoming match at The Oval. Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Jacob Bethell have joined to replace the departing players.
Chris Woakes, the department’s most experienced pacer, is the sole name that has been retained from the previous encounter. With Bethell on board, the 21-year-old all-rounder will be the only spin option, with Joe Root providing a part-time alternative. With an inadequate bowling unit, England will be hoping they made the right move in resting Archer and Carse.
England XI for 5th Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton
India will play sans Bumrah.
The bad news is not limited to the hosts; the visiting Indian team is also likely to be without top pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the fifth Test. As a result, India is expected to make a few changes, with Anshul Kamboj potentially sidelined following a lacklustre performance on his international debut. Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are now set to make their Oval debuts. However, reports of Kuldeep Yadav being selected for the first time in the series have surfaced, which only time will tell.
India
