Injured skipper Ben Stokes and lead pacer Jofra Archer won’t be a part of the fifth and final Test towards India, beginning right here from Thursday (July 31, 2025), as England made three adjustments to their playing XI for the series-deciding recreation.
The hosts lead the sequence 2-1 after 4 intensely fought Test matches that has additionally had its justifiable share of controversies.
Ollie Pope will lead the aspect in Stokes’ absence.
Stokes, who has led the staff from the entrance and has claimed 17 wickets whereas scoring some very important runs with bat, will miss out on the sport at The Oval due to a shoulder damage, whereas Archer has been rested after having made his return to Test cricket following a protracted hole of 4 years.
Pacer Brydon Carse may also miss the final Test, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) mentioned in a press launch on Wednesday (July 30, 2025).
“Captain Ben Stokes is unavailable due to a right shoulder injury. Also missing out are spinner Liam Dawson and pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse.
“England have included Jacob Bethell, who will bat at No.6. Surrey bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton come into the aspect, together with Nottinghamshire fast Josh Tongue,” the ECB said.
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.
