IND vs ENG 5th Test: England make 4 changes to Playing XI, Captain Ben Stokes Ruled Out with Injury

India has received a significant boost ahead of the fifth and final Test against England as England's captain and key all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out due to a right shoulder injury.

Stokes, who was in exceptional form and had been the Player of the Match in both the third and fourth Tests of the series, will miss the crucial decider starting Thursday at The Oval, London. His absence is a major setback for England, as Stokes led from the front with both bat and ball throughout the series and was England's leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps so far.

IND vs ENG Huge boost for India as Ben Stokes ruled out for Final Test replacement Named

IND vs ENG: Ollie Pope set to be captain, England make 4 changes

In Stokes' absence, vice-captain Ollie Pope has been named as the stand-in captain, marking a key leadership change at a decisive moment in the series. England has also made other changes, with pacers Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and spinner Liam Dawson also missing out. New players Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue have been brought into the side to bolster the bowling attack and middle order. Bethell is set to bat at number six.

Stokes had sustained the shoulder injury during an extended bowling spell in the fourth Test, where England bowled India for 143 overs over five sessions to secure a draw. Despite the pain, he persisted with a heavy workload, bowling 35 overs across both innings and contributing significantly with the bat (scoring 141 in the fourth Test). His injury had been a concern, but he had expressed hope of playing the final Test, describing the pain as "just an emotion." However, the England Cricket Board confirmed he will not play to allow for recovery, with a host of changes now confirmed for the final encounter in the five-match Test series.

England Playing XI vs India for 5th Test

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue