England announces its playing eleven for the Oval Test: Ben Stokes is absent, and three additional alterations are implemented
England Make Changes for Fifth Test Against India at The Oval
After Ben Stokes was ruled out due to a right shoulder injury, England have made several changes to their playing XI for the fifth Test against India at The Oval.
The updated squad sees the inclusion of four new faces, with Jacob Bethell replacing Stokes in the middle order at No. 6 and providing a left-arm spin option. Bethell's addition to the team will be a welcome boost for England, as they seek to maintain their strong form against India.
The bowling attack sees the inclusion of Surrey pace bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton, along with Nottinghamshire pacer Josh Tongue. These changes are expected to provide England with a fresh and dynamic bowling attack, as they aim to secure a series win.
In addition to the newcomers, there are several notable absences from the playing XI. Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Liam Dawson have all been dropped for this Test, with workload management being the likely reason for their exclusion.
Ollie Pope has taken over the captaincy in Stokes's absence, and Jamie Smith continues as wicketkeeper. The remainder of the batting order consists of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Bethell. Chris Woakes, Atkinson, Overton, Tongue, and Smith complete the squad.
Stokes had a hamstring injury during the fourth Test against India, and his right shoulder appeared to trouble him throughout day five. His absence is a significant blow to England, as he is a key player in both their batting and bowling lineups.
Despite the changes, England will be looking to maintain their strong form and secure a series win against India. The fifth Test at The Oval promises to be an exciting match, with both teams eager to come out on top.
[1] Brydon Carse is not in England's playing XI for the fifth Test. [2] Chris Woakes is part of England's playing XI for the fifth Test. [3] Archer played his first Test in over four years at Lord's and at Old Trafford, but is not part of the playing XI for the fifth Test due to workload management. [4] Jacob Bethell has been included in England's playing XI, batting at No.6 for the fifth Test. [5] Jamie Smith is the wicket-keeper for England in the fifth Test. [6] Jamie Overton has been included in England's playing XI for the fifth Test. [7] Josh Tongue has returned to the playing XI, presumably to make up for Stokes's bowling absence. [8] Liam Dawson has replaced the injured Shoaib Bashir in the playing XI for the fifth Test. [9] Brydon Carse is also not part of the playing XI for the fifth Test due to workload management. [10] Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson are like-for-like replacements in the playing XI. [11] Jacob Bethell provides England with a left-arm spin option, similar to Dawson. [12] Stokes had a hamstring injury during the fourth Test against India. [13] Bethell is batting at No.6 in the fifth Test, as Stokes's replacement. [14] This is Dawson's first Test in eight years. [15] Stokes' right shoulder appeared to trouble him throughout day five of the fourth Test against India. [16] Gus Atkinson has been included in England's playing XI for the fifth Test. [17] Jofra Archer is not included in England's playing XI for the fifth Test. [18] Liam Dawson is not part of England's playing XI for the fifth Test. [19] Ben Stokes is unavailable for the fifth Test against India at The Oval due to a right shoulder injury.
- Despite Jofra Archer's inclusion in the previous Tests, he is absent from England's playing XI for the fifth Test against India at The Oval, due to workload management.
- In the fifth Test, England's bowling attack shifts from left-arm spin with Liam Dawson to Jacob Bethell's left-arm spin, as Dawson's eight-year absence from Tests continues without a place in the playing XI.
