England Announces Squad Changes for Final Test Against India

England will proceed without their skipper, Ben Stokes, for the fifth and concluding Test match against India at The Oval. He has been sidelined due to a biceps tendon injury.

In Stokes’ absence, Ollie Pope is set to captain the team, marking his fifth occasion leading in Test matches.

The team has implemented four adjustments following the drawn Test in Manchester. Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue have been included in the playing XI.

Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse have been rested given their considerable workloads, while Liam Dawson has been omitted.

Bethell and Joe Root will serve as the spin options for England, while Chris Woakes will retain his position to spearhead a relatively inexperienced pace attack.

Stokes, who delivered 11 overs on the final day in Manchester, displayed obvious discomfort and subsequently revealed that he was contending with a biceps tendon problem in his right arm.

Although he initially indicated it was “very unlikely” he would be absent for the final Test, further evaluations indicated a grade three tear, thus precluding his participation in the match.

His absence presents a notable setback for England. Stokes currently leads the series in wicket-taking with 17 wickets. He also achieved a century in Manchester—his first in two years—and was recognized as Player of the Match in the two previous Tests.

The injury compounds a series of recent fitness concerns for the all-rounder, who also experienced two hamstring tears last year, raising apprehension ahead of the Ashes later this year.

Gus Atkinson is making a comeback following recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since May. He confirmed his fitness through participation for Surrey’s second XI.

Overton secures his second Test cap and first in three years, while Tongue is recalled after being absent for the third and fourth Tests due to Jofra Archer’s inclusion.

Bethell, who was selected as a direct replacement for Stokes, is anticipated to be England’s primary spin-bowling resource, though conditions are expected to favor seam bowlers.

In recent years, The Oval has rarely seen a frontline spinner during County Championship matches, and a pitch inspection on Wednesday revealed a substantial layer of grass.

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