England were handed a massive blow before the fifth India vs England Test at the Oval in London with captain Ben Stokes being ruled out due to an injury to his right shoulder, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Wednesday.
Stokes, besides being the captain, has been crucial to England’s fortunes in the series against India. Not only is he the leading wicket-taker in the series with 17 scalps, he also scored his first Test century in two years in Manchester in the previous Test. Stokes was also the Player of the Match in the last two Tests.
The fate of the India vs England series hangs on the fifth Test with England ahead with a 2-1 margin.
A statement from ECB announcing the England playing XI for the fifth India vs England Test showed that besides Stokes, spinner Liam Dawson and pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse will also miss the game in London. Taking their place in the XI will be Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue with Ollie Pope captaining the team. ECB said that Bethell will bat at No.6.
India are also expected to name a replacement for the injured Rishabh Pant for the final Test.
Stokes was in the centre of controversy at the end of the fourth Test at Manchester when he tried to persuade India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to accept a draw early while they were approaching their centuries.
The Indians declined which led to words being exchanged and even a refusal to shake hands.
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Stokes was criticised for his role in the confrontation, with
