England have received a major blow ahead of the decisive fifth Test against Team India, beginning on July 31, Thursday at the Kia Oval in London. Ben Stokes will miss the crucial Test as he has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. Ollie Pope will captain the hosts, with Jofra Archer also out of the side.
The 34-year-old was the best bowler for the hosts in the previous Test that resulted in a draw at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. He also picked up a fifer in the opening innings of that match, marking his first since September 2017 against the West Indies at the Lord's Cricket Ground. Although he dismissed KL Rahul in the second innings, the star cricketer was repeatedly seen clutching his shoulder as India kept England in the field for 143 overs.
The hosts supposedly have rested Archer for the final Test to manage his workload. Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson will play their first Test of the series. Although Stokes is currently the leading wicket-taker of the series with 17, he has also sent down a staggering 140 overs. Hence, the management wish to manage his workload, especially with the Ashes tour looming at the end of the year.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.
Ben Stokes attracted criticism after confronting Ravindra Jadeja during the closing moments of Manchester Test
Notably, the Durham all-rounder had attracted plenty of criticism after confronting Ravindra Jadeja as he and Washington Sundar had declined to accept a draw, given they were close to their centuries. Hence, Stokes was unhappy about the decision and had some fiery chats with Jadeja.
It was only after the duo completed their centuries that they accepted the draw. With the skipper ruled out and England fielding an inexperienced attack, India will be brimming with confidence.
