Major Blows for Both Sides Ahead of Final Test: Stokes, Archer Out for England; Bumrah Likely to Miss Decider for India

In a dramatic twist ahead of the much-anticipated fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval, both teams are set to miss key players due to injuries, potentially altering the course of the gripping Test series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Wednesday that captain Ben Stokes and pace sensation Jofra Archer have been ruled out of the series decider, dealing a significant blow to the hosts’ chances of leveling the series.

“Captain Ben Stokes is unavailable due to a right shoulder injury. Also missing out are spinner Liam Dawson and pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse,” the ECB said in its official statement.

Ollie Pope to Captain England in Stokes’s Absence

With Ben Stokes ruled out, Ollie Pope has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the national side for the crucial final match, set to begin on Thursday, July 31, at The Oval.

Stokes, who had been nothing short of phenomenal throughout the series, was named Player of the Match in both the third and fourth Tests for his remarkable all-round contributions with both bat and ball. However, a right shoulder injury he sustained during a grueling 35-over bowling effort in the fourth Test has forced him to the sidelines.

Stokes’ injury reportedly occurred during India’s marathon innings, where they batted for 143 overs across five sessions, demanding an exhausting effort from England’s bowlers. Stokes was seen in visible discomfort during the game and was later diagnosed with a strain that now rules him out of the finale.

Fresh Faces for the Oval Test

To compensate for the missing firepower, Jacob Bethell has been named in the playing XI and will bat at No. 6, while Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton, both from Surrey, have been called up. Josh Tongue, the promising fast bowler from Nottinghamshire, has also joined the squad, giving the English pace department some much-needed reinforcements.

India’s Woes: Bumrah Likely to Miss Final Test

Team India, too, finds itself grappling with a setback of its own. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler and strike weapon, is reportedly set to be rested for the final Test.

As per sources reported by NDTV, Bumrah, who has featured in the first, third, and fourth Tests, will sit out the decider. This aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) earlier stance on managing Bumrah’s workload, especially considering his previous back issues and the packed international calendar ahead.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Akash Deep is the frontrunner to replace Bumrah in the XI. The young Bengal pacer, who impressed on debut in the third Test, is likely to lead the pace attack in the absence of India’s pace spearhead.

Series Situation: High Stakes at The Oval

India currently holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series. The final Test not only represents a chance for England to square the series but also provides India the opportunity to seal a memorable overseas triumph.

With both teams missing their star performers, the Oval Test promises to be a true test of depth, resilience, and strategic brilliance.

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