Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Fifth Test

CricDiary Desk: England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth Test against India because of a shoulder injury. The final game of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy begins at The Oval tomorrow. Stokes’ injury on the right shoulder has been described as a grade‑three muscle tear. He’s expected to undergo six to seven weeks of rehabilitation. Stokes stated that playing—even just as a batter—posed too high a risk of further damage

Ollie Pope will take over as captain in his absence. This will mark Pope leading the side for the fifth time in Test cricket.

Stokes has been an outstanding performer in the series. He amassed 304 runs (including a century at Old Trafford) and led both teams with 17 wickets.

England, meanwhile, has made four changes to the playing eleven. Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse have been dropped. Archer is also being rested because of workload concerns ahead of the Ashes. Jacob Bethell will bat at no. 6 and offer spin options. Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue have been added to the pace attack.

England currently lead the series 2-1, and the fifth Test represents an opportunity to clinch the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.

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