Key Points

England faces a major reshuffle as Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer are ruled out of the fifth Test against India. Ollie Pope will take over captaincy in Stokes' absence, marking a significant leadership change. The hosts have called up Jacob Bethell as their only spinner, alongside pace reinforcements Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton. India, trailing 2-1, will aim to level the series in the final match.

Key Points: Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer Ruled Out of England Fifth Test vs India

  • Stokes ruled out with shoulder injury after stellar all-round series
  • Ollie Pope to captain England in Stokes' absence
  • Archer and Carse also miss out due to fitness concerns
  • England names Bethell as sole spin option for final Test
2 min read

Stokes, Archer out as England announces four changes in squad for fifth Test against India

England makes four changes as Stokes and Archer miss the final Test against India, with Ollie Pope stepping in as captain.

"He is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 17 scalps at an average of 25.23. – Match Report"

London, July 30

Skipper Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the England squad for the fifth and final Test against India due to a right shoulder injury, with Ollie Pope set to lead the side in his absence.

In this series with the bat, Stokes has made 304 runs in seven innings at an average of 43.42, with a century to his name. With a ball in hand, Stokes has been merciless, relentless, producing miracles effortlessly. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 17 scalps at an average of 25.23, with best figures of 5/72 and has also taken a four-fer. He has also won two Player of the Match awards.

The fifth and final Test of the series will take place from Thursday onwards, with the series in favour of England by 2-1 following a hard-fought draw by India at Old Trafford in Manchester. India would not be able to win the series in England, something they last did back in 2007, but they have a chance to bow out with their heads held high and series levelled.

Also missing out are spinner Liam Dawson and pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse.

So far in the series, Archer has taken nine wickets in two Tests at an average of 28.66, with best figures of 3/55. Carse has featured in all four Tests, taking nine wickets at an average of over 60, while also contributing 164 runs in six innings, including a half-century.

Dawson made his return to Tests after eight years at Manchester, but could take only one wicket and contributed 26 with the bat.

England has included all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who will bat at number six, who is also the sole spin option for the hosts. Surrey bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton come into the side, along with Nottinghamshire quick Josh Tongue. Tongue last featured in the Birmingham Test and so far has taken 11 wickets at an average of 33.63, with best figures of 33.63.

England line-up:

1. Zak Crawley

2. Ben Duckett

3. Ollie Pope (c)

4. Joe Root

5. Harry Brook

6. Jacob Bethell

7. Jamie Smith (wk)

8. Chris Woakes

9. Gus Atkinson

10. Jamie Overton

11. Josh Tongue.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Honestly, England's bowling looks thin without Archer and Stokes. But let's not underestimate them - they've shown great bench strength throughout this series. India needs to bat first and put up 400+ to really put pressure.
D
David E
As an England fan, this is worrying. Stokes has carried both our batting and bowling. Pope is a good batsman but inexperienced captain. India must be licking their lips now!
S
Shreya B
Why is everyone talking only about England? Our team has fought hard despite injuries too. Bumrah, Shami, Jadeja all missed matches. Let's focus on our performance rather than their problems!
K
Karthik V
England's new bowlers look promising but inexperienced. If our top order can see off the new ball, we can dominate. Kohli needs to step up in this final Test - perfect time for a century!
M
Michael C
Respect to India for fighting back after being 2-0 down. But let's be honest - England missing their two best players gives India an unfair advantage now. Should've been a full strength contest.
P
Priya S
Excited to see new talents from both sides! Bethell vs our young guns like Gill and Iyer. Test cricket needs fresh blood. Hope it's a cracking final match 🤞

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