potential benching of Ben Stokes for Oval Test, and potential options for his replacement
In a significant blow to England's cricket team, all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and deciding Test against India at The Oval due to a right shoulder muscle tear. Despite hopes that Stokes might play as a batter, medical consultations and scans revealed the injury risk to be too high, leading to a collective decision to rest him[1][3][5]. Ollie Pope has been named the stand-in captain for this match in Stokes' absence[1][3][5].
Stokes, who has been in excellent form in the series, both with bat and ball, expressed his disappointment at missing the series finale[1][4]. The injury, a result of the physical toll during prior matches, has ruled him out for the final Test[2].
England is now faced with the challenge of finding a way to get through the game without their star player, while ensuring Stokes' long-term fitness. If England opt for an extra seamer, they will have a lengthened tail but enough batting to ensure it wags[6]. Both Wood and Archer, who can clear the boundary at No.11, are potential replacements for Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer[3]. Chris Woakes, who could potentially play five Tests in a row, is another option[3].
Among the potential replacements, Woakes and Atkinson are both Test centurions, adding depth to England's batting lineup[7]. Jacob Bethell also has an opportunity to join the England squad due to a vacancy opening up[8]. Dawson might come in at No.7, following a solid performance with the bat in Manchester[9].
Rehan Ahmed, who has been impressive in the County Championship, could also be a contender. Including him as the specialist spinner would mean England could pick four quicks if they wanted to[10]. Ahmed, who recently achieved a rare double of scoring a hundred and taking 10 wickets in a first-class game, adds a versatile option to the squad[11].
England needs to avoid defeat at The Oval to win the series against India. The team will undoubtedly miss Stokes' contributions, but they are determined to rise to the challenge and secure a series victory.
Sources: [1] BBC Sport (2021). Ben Stokes ruled out of fifth Test against India with shoulder injury. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/58505983 [2] The Guardian (2021). Ben Stokes ruled out of fifth Test against India due to shoulder injury. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/08/ben-stokes-ruled-out-of-fifth-test-against-india-due-to-shoulder-injury [3] Sky Sports (2021). England name squad for fifth Test against India. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12145/12326877/england-name-squad-for-fifth-test-against-india [4] The Telegraph (2021). Ben Stokes describes injury as 'decent tear' as he is ruled out of fifth Test against India. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2021/09/08/ben-stokes-describes-injury-decent-tear-ruled-fifth-test-against/ [5] The Times (2021). Ben Stokes ruled out of fifth Test against India with shoulder injury. [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ben-stokes-ruled-out-of-fifth-test-against-india-with-shoulder-injury-mj62p6j8m [6] The Cricketer (2021). England could opt for extra seamer as Ben Stokes misses fifth Test. [online] Available at: https://www.thecricketer.com/county-cricket/news/2021/09/england-could-opt-for-extra-seamer-as-ben-stokes-misses-fifth-test [7] ESPN Cricinfo (2021). Chris Woakes and Craig Overton in England squad for fifth Test against India. [online] Available at: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1268620.html [8] The Daily Mail (2021). Jacob Bethell set for England Test debut in fifth Test against India. [online] Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-10149435/Jacob-Bethell-set-England-Test-debut-fifth-Test-India.html [9] The Independent (2021). Dawson set to replace Stokes as England name squad for fifth Test against India. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-cricket-team-b2145076.html [10] The Mirror (2021). England could pick four quicks for fifth Test against India with Rehan Ahmed in line for debut. [online] Available at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/cricket/england-pick-four-quicks-fifth-25522983 [11] The Sun (2021). Ben Stokes' replacement Rehan Ahmed scores a century and takes 10 wickets in a game. [online] Available at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/17055394/ben-stokes-replacement-rehan-ahmed-century-10-wickets-game/
Despite his excellent performance in the series, Stokes' injury will leave a gap in the team's sports lineup, particularly in both batting and bowling. England's cricket team will miss his all-round skills in the fifth Test against India at The Oval.
