Ben Stokes says 'risk was way too high' as injury sees England skipper miss final India Test at The Oval, makes nod to Ashes with 'emotional' decision
Updated 30/07/2025 at 12:05 GMT+1
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Ben Stokes is to miss the final Test against India at The Oval with a shoulder injury. It is a major setback for the hosts, who know that a victory at The Oval in the fifth and final Test will ensure they win the series. Aside from Stokes' absence, there has been some reshuffling in the bowling attack, with no places for Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Liam Dawson.
England have 'sense of disappointment and almost heartbreak' - Stokes
Video credit: TNT Sports
England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the fifth Test against India at The Oval with a shoulder injury.
It is a blow to England's chances, with the hosts leading a gripping series 2-1 heading into the final Test, which begins on Thursday.
Speaking to the media after the announcement, Stokes said: "Disappointed to not be able to finish the series.
"We took as long as we could to make that decision. Obviously, there’s a bit of emotion going into this kind of stuff when you find out what you've done.
"I came down here this morning just to give myself every chance of seeing if I could play just as a batter.
"Obviously, bowling was ruled out as soon as we got the scan results.
"I think you need that sort of time chatting with the medical team, Baz [Brendon McCullum], and then almost just 20 minutes to myself, just to be really be clear around the decision that we made.
"It's one of those where you weigh up the risk-reward, and the risk was way too high for the further damage it could cause.
"I wouldn't expect to put anyone else or any of my other players at risk with an injury like this, so it’s about rehabbing now and looking forward to what we’ve got coming up in the winter."
Stokes was seen struggling in the last three days of the drawn fourth Test, and appeared to be in pain during the warm-up on day five.
He has been in impressive form this series, registering figures of 5-72 with the ball in India's first innings at Old Trafford, before following that up with a masterclass with the bat in his 141-run haul.
Ollie Pope will captain the side in Stokes' absence, while Jacob Bethell will bat at sixth in the order.
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There are also changes to England's attack, with fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse missing out, alongside spinner Liam Dawson.
Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton are named in the line-up to complement Chris Woakes.
Revised 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.
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