England cricket captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test match against India at The Oval due to a biceps tendon injury, leading to four changes in the England playing XI. The England selection panel announced the team changes on Wednesday, which include the introduction of Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue to the side.In Stokes’ absence, the captaincy responsibility has been handed to Ollie Pope, who will lead for the fifth time in Tests.
“I’m obviously disappointed. I’ve got a decent tear in the right shoulder. Weighing up the risk and the reward and the risk was way too high for the damage caused. I’ll start rehabbing now and start to focus on what we have coming up in the winter,” said Stokes on the injury.“When I’m out on the field, I play to win. I gave absolutely everything I possibly can. There’s a moment in the game where I can put everything aside because of how much this team means to me, how much playing for England means to me, how much winning means to me.
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“But there is absolutely nothing more I could have done more. Being a professional sportsman, injuries are part of this game. I can’t do anything about that,” he added.Stokes bowled 11 overs on the final day of the Manchester Test but grimaced throughout both spells, revealing afterward that he was dealing with a biceps tendon injury in his right upper arm.At the conclusion of the Test, he said it was “very unlikely” he would miss the final Test at The Oval, but it is being reported that he sustained a grade three tear, which has ultimately ruled him out.His absence is a significant blow for England: Stokes is the series’ leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets, scored his first Test century in two years during the Manchester match, and has been named Player of the Match in the last two Tests. This setback also adds to Stokes’ personal frustrations, following two hamstring tears last year, and raises concerns ahead of the upcoming Ashes series this winter.Bethell has been included as Stokes’ replacement, which means he will be England’s main spin-bowling option. However, the fifth Test is expected to be predominantly a seamers’ contest. Surrey have seldom fielded a frontline spinner in recent County Championship matches at The Oval, and there was a healthy coverage of live grass visible on the pitch Wednesday morning.
I’m obviously disappointed. I’ve got a decent tear in the right shoulder. Weighing up the risk and the reward and the risk was way too high for the damage caused.
Ben Stokes
The team management has made significant alterations to their bowling lineup, with spinner Liam Dawson and pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse not featuring in the final Test. Surrey bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton have been called up to strengthen the pace attack.Jacob Bethell will likely play at number six in the lineup, adding fresh talent to England’s middle order. The wicketkeeping responsibilities will be handled by Jamie Smith, who maintains his position behind the stumps.The batting order sees Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett continuing their opening partnership, followed by Pope at number three and the experienced Joe Root at four.Harry Brook retains his position at number five in the batting order, while Chris Woakes provides all-round capabilities lower down the order. The new-look bowling attack features the pace trio of Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue.England 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, and Josh Tongue.
