IND vs ENG Playing XI: Ben Stokes out! England make blockbuster changes to playing XI for Test | Cricket News
England cricket captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test match against India at The Oval due to a biceps tendon injury, leading to four changes in the England playing XI. The England selection panel announced the team changes on Wednesday, which include the introduction of Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue to the side.In Stokes’ absence, the captaincy responsibility has been handed to Ollie Pope, who will lead for the fifth time in Tests.
“When I’m out on the field, I play to win. I gave absolutely everything I possibly can. There’s a moment in the game where I can put everything aside because of how much this team means to me, how much playing for England means to me, how much winning means to me,” said Stokes on the eve of the fifth Test. “But there is absolutely nothing more I could have done more. Being a professional sportsman, injuries are part of this game. I can’t do anything about that.”The team management has made significant alterations to their bowling lineup, with spinner Liam Dawson and pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse not featuring in the final Test. Surrey bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton have been called up to strengthen the pace attack.Jacob Bethell will likely play at number six in the lineup, adding fresh talent to England’s middle order. The wicketkeeping responsibilities will be handled by Jamie Smith, who maintains his position behind the stumps.The batting order sees Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett continuing their opening partnership, followed by Pope at number three and the experienced Joe Root at four.Harry Brook retains his position at number five in the batting order, while Chris Woakes provides all-round capabilities lower down the order. The new-look bowling attack features the pace trio of Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue.England XI for the fifth Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue.
