Injured Ben Stokes is out of Oval Test.
Credit: Reuters Photo
England captain Ben Stokes will miss the fifth and final cricket Test against India at the Oval starting on Thursday (July 31) with a shoulder injury.
In his absence, Ollie Pope will lead England with Jacob Bethell recalled to replace Stokes at No.6 in the batting order.
"Captain Ben Stokes is unavailable due to a right shoulder injury," the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement on Wednesday.
England also rested fast bowler Jofra Archer, who played back-to-back Test matches at Lord's and Old Trafford in what is the injury-prone pacer's first Test series in four years.
Pacer Brydon Carse and spinner Liam Dawson were dropped as England made four changes from their playing XI from the previous match by including the pace trio of Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue.
"England have included Jacob Bethell, who will bat at No.6. Surrey bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton come into the side, along with Nottinghamshire quick Josh Tongue," the ECB statement added.
Stokes was player of the match in the drawn fourth Test at Manchester where the all-rounder smashed 141 and claimed six wickets with the ball.
The 34-year-old, who is the leading wicket-taker on either side with 17 scalps, has injured his right shoulder, his bowling arm, and it is understood he could need up to 10 weeks to recover.
Stokes has struggled with various fitness issues during a series in which he has sent down 140 overs -- the most he has bowled in any series.
The hosts lead the series 2-1 after four intensely fought Test matches of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, that has also had its fair share of controversies.
England XI for Oval Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.
(With inputs from Agencies)