Injured Stokes ruled out of final test v India, Archer rested

 

England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India due to a shoulder injury. The injury, described by Stokes as a significant tear in a muscle he could not pronounce, was confirmed after scans. He admitted the decision to sit out was made with heavy emotion but said the risk of further damage was too high. Despite his absence, he confirmed the injury won’t affect his availability for the Ashes later this year, estimating six to seven weeks of rehab. In his absence, vice-captain Ollie Pope will lead the team, and Jacob Bethell has been recalled to fill the vacant number six spot. Stokes played a vital role in the previous match at Old Trafford, scoring a century and taking six wickets to help secure a dramatic draw. His absence is a major setback, but he expressed confidence in England’s depth and squad strength, saying they still have a strong eleven capable of winning the final match and sealing the series. Meanwhile, fast bowler Jofra Archer has been rested. Archer recently returned to Test cricket after a four-year absence and played in the first two matches of the series. Given his injury history, the management decided not to risk him for a third consecutive match. Brydon Carse and Liam Dawson were dropped from the squad, with Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue forming England’s pace attack for the final Test. The final Test begins Thursday at The Oval, with England leading the series 2-1. The team remains focused on wrapping up a memorable home series win despite the loss of key players.

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India managed to force a draw in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, pulling off a stunning batting performance on the final day. After being reduced to 0-2 in their second innings and trailing England by 311 runs, India ended the match on 425-4, thanks to centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Their fightback denied England a win and set up an exciting series finale. The final day of that Test saw a bit of tension between the two sides. England wanted to end the game early, seeing no chance of a result. However, India’s batters were eager to complete their centuries. Stokes commented that England didn’t want to risk any more injuries by continuing to bowl in a dead match. While the situation briefly sparked some frustration, Stokes emphasized that both teams have moved on and are focused on the final game. Despite the drama, Stokes praised Jadeja and Sundar for their brilliant knocks under pressure. He also reiterated England’s commitment to player safety, saying no one would be put at risk when the game was already decided. England will enter the last Test without Stokes and Archer, but with confidence in their replacements. Jacob Bethell, a promising young batter, gets a big opportunity in the middle order. The bowling unit will rely on fresh pacers Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue. India, on the other hand, will aim to level the series and end their tour on a high. Both sides have shown moments of dominance in the series, making the fifth Test a much-anticipated clash. With a 2-1 lead, England need only a draw to win the series, while India must win to level it. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at The Oval.

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