Ben Stokes Ruled Out, Ollie Pope to Lead England in Decisive Oval Test

As the gripping five-match Test series between India and England heads into its final encounter at the Kennington Oval from July 31, the English team has made some significant changes, including a change in leadership. With England leading the series 2-1 after four matches, the final Test holds high stakes. In a major development, regular skipper Ben Stokes has been ruled out due to a right shoulder injury, forcing England to appoint Ollie Pope as captain for the crucial fifth Test.

Stokes, who bowled extensively in the last two matches, is believed to have aggravated his shoulder, making him unavailable for the final game. His absence is a massive blow to England, considering his all-round performance throughout the series. Stokes has been in remarkable form, not only claiming 17 wickets to become the highest wicket-taker of the series but also scoring 304 runs, including a century, which earned him the Player of the Match award in the last two Tests.

England’s team management has announced a new playing eleven with four major changes. Apart from Stokes, spinner Liam Dawson and pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse have also been left out. The revised lineup includes exciting young talent and fresh faces. Promising batsman Jacob Bethell has been handed a debut opportunity, while pacers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton return to the side. Fast bowler Josh Tongue also makes the cut, rounding off a restructured bowling attack.

The new England playing XI for the Oval Test comprises: Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue. With a thrilling finale expected at the Oval, all eyes will be on how this reshuffled England side performs under Ollie Pope’s leadership.