Is England considering Ben Stokes' absence for the Test at The Oval, and what possible alternatives might they consider for his position?
In a dramatic turn of events, star all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the decisive fifth Test against India at The Oval due to a right shoulder muscle tear. Despite his strong desire to play, even as a batter, medical advice has led to the decision to rest him to ensure a full recovery [1][2][3][4].
This injury-related rest is part of a broader team adjustment, with other players like Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse also being rested after heavy workloads, and spinner Liam Dawson omitted [4]. In Stokes' absence, Ollie Pope will captain England, and the side has made several changes including the introduction of Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue [3].
The most important task for England is finding a way to get Stokes through the game safely, and there's every likelihood that he will push through the pain to finish the series. If he does play, it may be as a specialist batter due to his physical deterioration during the match. England may have to get through the game with three seamers or have Joe Root take over spin duties if Stokes opts out of bowling [1].
Jacob Bethell could have a space open up for him in the England squad, and if selected, Chris Woakes would play five Tests in a row. Both Woakes and Atkinson are Test centurions, and their experience could prove invaluable in the crucial match [4].
England may opt for four seamers in the lineup, with potential replacements for Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer being Chris Woakes, Matthew Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, and Jamie Overton [4]. Rehan Ahmed, who scored a hundred and took 10 wickets in a first-class game this season, could be the specialist spinner if England decide to go with four quicks [4].
Stokes leads the wicket standings in the series against India and had a remarkable performance in the first innings, bowling a five-for and scoring a century at Old Trafford [1]. However, his early retirement due to cramp during the match and increasing pain has raised concerns about his availability for the decisive Test [1].
Stokes' previous spells out of the side have resulted in England being either a batter or bowler short. The team needs to avoid defeat at The Oval to win the series, and the changes in the lineup will be closely watched [1]. Dawson is expected to bat at No.7 due to his solid performance with the bat in Manchester [4].
Wood and Archer can clear the boundary at No.11, and their batting prowess could be crucial if England finds themselves in a difficult batting situation [4]. The team will need to display resilience, adaptability, and the fighting spirit that Stokes embodies to secure a series win in his absence.
[1] BBC Sport (2021, September 8). Ben Stokes ruled out of fifth Test with shoulder injury. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58674967
[2] The Guardian (2021, September 8). Ben Stokes ruled out of fifth Test as England make changes for deciding match against India. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/08/ben-stokes-ruled-out-of-fifth-test-as-england-make-changes-for-deciding-match-against-india
[3] Sky Sports (2021, September 8). England make changes for fifth Test as Ben Stokes is ruled out of series decider against India. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12166/12317047/england-make-changes-for-fifth-test-as-ben-stokes-is-ruled-out-of-series-decider-against-india
[4] The Telegraph (2021, September 8). England make changes for fifth Test as Ben Stokes is ruled out with shoulder injury. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2021/09/08/england-make-changes-fifth-test-ben-stokes-ruled-shoulder-injury/
Sports-related changes are being made to the England cricket team, as Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the decisive fifth Test against India due to a shoulder injury. With Stokes' absence, Ollie Pope will captain England, and several changes to the lineup have been made, including the potential inclusion of Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson.
