Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Final Test vs India Due to Shoulder Injury; Ollie Pope Named Captain

England’s captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the decisive fifth Test against India at The Oval, starting on July 31, due to a right shoulder injury sustained during the previous Test in Manchester. Stokes, who was the Player of the Match in the last two Tests, will be replaced as captain by Ollie Pope for the crucial final game of the series.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

England have named their XI for the fifth Test against India at the Kia Oval 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Ben Stokes misses out with a right shoulder injury – Ollie Pope to captain the side ❌#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/r46TEN5fqK

— England’s Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2025

Alongside Stokes, England’s bowling attack will be reshaped with pacers Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and spinner Liam Dawson also missing out. Emerging players Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, and Jacob Bethell, who will bat at number six; are set to make their Test appearances.

England currently leads the series 2-1, and with Stokes sidelined, the team faces a stern test in maintaining their advantage against a strong Indian side. The match at The Oval promises high drama as England look to close out the series without their inspirational leader.

England’s Playing XI for Final Test:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.

                                               

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