The hosts For the fifth and final Test of the current series against India, England has announced their starting lineup. However, the English team will be missing their captain, Ben Stokes, which will cause them great sadness.
Due to a serious injury to his right shoulder, the star all-rounder will not be participating in the series’ summit match. The situation was confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who also announced that vice-captain Ollie Pope will lead The Three Lions’ pack starting on July 31 in place of Stokes.
Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer have also been absent from the pace attack. Since comeback player Liam Dawson has also been passed over for a berth in the unit for the forthcoming match at The Oval, England has really completely redesigned their bowling attack from the previous game. The names that are leaving have been replaced by Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Jacob Bethell.
The only name left over from the last meeting is Chris Woakes, the department’s most seasoned pacer. Naturally, the 21-year-old all-rounder will be the sole spin option due to the arrival of Bethell, with Joe Root serving as a part-time substitute. England will be hoping that resting Archer and Carse was the right move given their weak bowling unit.
XI for England in the Fifth Test
Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
India
