No Stokes, Archer; Ollie Pope to steer England in fifth Test in opposition to India

Injured skipper Ben Stokes and lead pacer Jofra Archer won’t be a part of the fifth and closing Test in opposition to India, beginning right here from Thursday (July 31, 2025), as England made three modifications to their taking part in XI for the series-deciding recreation.

The hosts lead the collection 2-1 after 4 intensely fought Test matches that has additionally had its fair proportion of controversies.

Ollie Pope will lead the facet in Stokes’ absence.

Stokes, who has led the group from the entrance and has claimed 17 wickets whereas scoring some very important runs with bat, will miss out on the sport at The Oval resulting from a shoulder harm, whereas Archer has been rested after having made his return to Test cricket following an extended hole of 4 years.

Pacer Brydon Carse will even miss the ultimate Test, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) mentioned in a press launch on Wednesday (July 30, 2025).

“Captain Ben Stokes is unavailable resulting from a proper shoulder harm. Also lacking out are spinner Liam Dawson and tempo bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse.

“England have included Jacob Bethell, who will bat at No.6. Surrey bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton come into the side, along with Nottinghamshire quick Josh Tongue,” the ECB mentioned.

England taking part in XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.