England will take the field for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval on Thursday without their captain Ben Stokes, who has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. With the series delicately poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, the absence of their talisman adds an unexpected twist heading into the decider.
The team has announced four changes to the playing XI, with Ollie Pope stepping up as captain and Surrey’s homegrown talent leading what is now a reshuffled and youthful lineup.
Pope Takes the Helm as Stokes Steps Aside
Ben Stokes’ absence isn’t just a loss of a star player — it’s a psychological blow. The England captain has led from the front throughout the series, both with bat and ball. But during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which ended in a draw, signs of strain were clear. He was frequently seen clutching his right shoulder after long bowling spells.
Stokes later confirmed the injury was too risky to manage, even as a specialist batter. “There’s a bit of emotion that goes into this stuff,” he said. “The risk was way too high for the damage.” His decision to prioritize long-term recovery over short-term gain underlines his leadership ethos, despite stepping off the field.
Now, the leadership baton passes to Ollie Pope, a technically gifted batter who will captain the national side for the first time in a Test match.
England’s New-Look XI: Four Changes and a Familiar Ground
Stokes isn’t the only one sitting this one out. England have also left out spinner Liam Dawson and pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse. That’s a significant shuffle, especially in the bowling department.
Replacing them are four players with plenty of local familiarity:
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Jacob Bethell: A left-hander who’ll bat at No. 6 and also offer a spin option alongside Joe Root.
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Gus Atkinson
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Jamie Overton
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Josh Tongue
All four additions — except Tongue — play for Surrey and know the conditions at The Oval like the back of their hand.
That gives England an edge. With Atkinson, Overton, and Pope all calling The Oval home, there’s no shortage of on-the-ground insight. Even Ollie Smith, included again, is a regular face at the venue.
Bethell’s Big Leap and the Spin Puzzle
One of the most talked-about selections is Jacob Bethell. The young all-rounder has been a rising figure in England’s domestic setup, but this will be his biggest test yet.
He’s been slotted in at No. 6 — a spot usually reserved for experienced hands. The idea? Balance the team after the exit of Stokes, who brought both batting and bowling depth.
Bethell’s role is twofold. He’ll be expected to provide middle-order stability and help Joe Root out with spin. That could prove vital depending on how the pitch at The Oval behaves over the five days. England are banking on spin as a secondary option, given the overhauled pace attack.
He’ll also be England’s only left-handed batter in the middle order, giving them a better left-right combination.
Pace Attack Gets a Makeover
With Archer and Carse both unavailable, and Stokes not bowling, England had little choice but to remodel their pace unit. This isn’t a tweak. It’s a total rebuild.
Chris Woakes will lead a relatively inexperienced trio — Atkinson, Tongue, and Overton — all known for their pace and bounce. Woakes’ presence will be key not just for bowling but also mentorship.
The Overton twins have always been fringe players, but Jamie’s raw pace has caught the eye. Tongue offers steep bounce, while Atkinson brings that local knowledge and variety in line and length.
Here’s a breakdown of England’s bowling options for the fifth Test:
| Bowler | Type | Test Caps | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Woakes | Right-arm fast-medium | 48 | Seam, control |
| Gus Atkinson | Right-arm fast | 2 | Local experience |
| Jamie Overton | Right-arm fast | 1 | Raw pace |
| Josh Tongue | Right-arm fast | 4 | Bounce & movement |
| Joe Root | Off-spin | 140+ | Part-time spinner |
| Jacob Bethell | Left-arm orthodox | Debut | Spin & control |
It’s a bit of a gamble, but it could also surprise India. The pitch at The Oval tends to flatten out over the weekend, making day 1 and 2 crucial for seamers.
Series Context: England’s 2-1 Lead on the Line
England head into the final match with a slender 2-1 lead. A win here seals the series, while a draw will be enough to retain it. But India has momentum — and history.
They won at The Oval in 2021 and came close to leveling the current series at Old Trafford. Their batting has slowly clicked into rhythm, and their bowlers have shown adaptability across conditions.
England’s hopes will rest heavily on the likes of Pope, Root, and Woakes to shoulder the responsibility in Stokes’ absence.
There’s also pressure on the newcomers — Bethell in particular. But the upside? They’re playing at home. And sometimes, that’s all the comfort a debutant needs.
