Ben Stokes admitted that playing in the fifth and final test against India in Kia oval would be too much risk because it is still recovering from the shoulder injury. Although he hoped to contribute as a dough, the English captain withdrew after a medical consultation. In his absence, the place of Vice-Capital Ollie Pope will lead.
Stokes, 34, were in excellent form of this series and earned a back-to-back Match Awards in Lord’s and Old Trafford. During four tests, he scored 304 runs on average 43.42 and took 17 goals, including five bags.
“Disappointed. A decent tears in the muscles that I can’t say. I came here this morning and tried to find ways to contribute to launching. After discussions with the medical team, the risk was too high.
Read also: Ben Stokes for Miss 5. Test against India, England will make 4 changes in playing XI
Despite the failure of Stokes, he expressed full confidence in his teammates to deliver when the last test starts on Thursday, July 31.
“One man does not win or lose the game. Whether I play or not, it does not mean that we win or lose. There are other players who are capable,” Stokes added.
Stokes in the whole series ran a significant workload when 140 exceeded – the most, which he added in any series since 2013-14, where he bowed 117.5 overs.
Together with Stokes, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer and Brydon Cars will also miss the last match of the series. England called Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson and Josh language as a substitute.
England plays XI for an oval test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh language
– ends
Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
July 30, 2025
Tune
