Ben Stokes will not play in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025’s fifth and final Test match against India. Due to a shoulder injury, the England captain is currently recovering. In the series finale, Ollie Pope will captain England in Stokes’ place.
One day before the fifth Test at The Oval in London began, on Wednesday, July 30, England made their playing eleven public. In addition to Stokes, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, and Jofra Archer will not be able to play in the fifth Test.
Ben Stokes expressed his desire to participate in the game as a specialist batter. But after speaking with a doctor, he realised that the risk would be too great. Particularly in the previous two games, the ace all-rounder bowled for extended periods of time. During the third Test at Lord’s, Ben Stokes bowled 35 overs in both innings and was observed gripping his right shoulder.
“I’m disappointed. I can’t pronounce a good tear in the muscles. This morning, I came down here looking for ways to just help out with the batting. Following consultation with the medical staff, a decision was made. The danger was simply too great. During the pregame press conference, Ben Stokes stated, “I wouldn’t have expected anyone else in my position to risk this as much.”
You don’t win or lose a game because of one man: Ben Stokes
Even without him, Stokes trusted his teammates to finish the job and win the series at The Oval. In this important match, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jacob Bethell will all have the chance to play for the Three Lions.
“You don’t win or lose a game because of one man. It makes no difference if I play or not if we win or lose. Other players are competent,” Stokes continued.
Currently, India is behind 1-2 in the five-match series. On the strength of second-inning hundreds from Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, they drew the most recent Test match. Pope will now be leading the hosts, and Shubman Gill and company will try to give them a hard time.
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