The much-awaited 5th and final Test match between India and England at The Oval has taken an unexpected turn after England captain Ben Stokes was ruled out due to a major injury setback. With the series hanging in the balance, England have announced 4 big changes to their playing XI, creating shockwaves in the cricketing world.
India, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on England’s weakened squad and end the series on a high. The match will be played from July 31 to August 4, 2025, at The Oval, London, a venue known for its true bounce and batting-friendly surface.
🔥 Breaking News: Stokes Ruled Out of Final Test
England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the final Test match at The Oval, after scans revealed a grade‑three shoulder muscle tear sustained during the 4th Test at Old Trafford. Recovery is expected to take 7 weeks, ruling him out of this match and placing him eyes on the Ashes.
Stokes, who dominated Manchester with 141 runs and six wickets, was unavailable for bowling and batting due to the severity of the injury.🌦 Weather Forecast for The Oval, London
The weather for the 5th Test at The Oval looks promising with clear skies on most days, although Day 3 might witness light showers. The temperature will hover around 22–27°C, perfect for cricket.
🏟 Pitch Report – What to Expect?
The Oval pitch is traditionally batting-friendly, with true bounce and value for shots. However, as the match progresses, spinners might come into play on Days 4 and 5.
👉 Teams winning the toss are likely to bat first and put up a big score on the board.
🧠 England Announce 4 Key Changes
✅ Changes to England’s XI for 5th Test:
- Ben Stokes OUT (injury) → Jacob Bethell drafted in at No. 6.
- Jofra Archer rested → to freshen up ahead of Ashes.
- Brydon Carse rested for workload management.
- Liam Dawson dropped.
5.–7. New additions: Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue bolster the pace unit.
📋 England’s Predicted XI at The Oval
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope (captain)
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jacob Bethell (replaces Stokes)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Gus Atkinson
- Jamie Overton
- Josh Tongue
🧭 Why Changes Were Made
- Injury & Recovery: Stokes’ injury risk was too great to play—even as a batter—leading to his withdrawal.
- Workload Management: Archer and Carse rested after heavy overs; Liam Dawson dropped due to form and fitness concerns.
- Squad Depth: England tapped fresh bowlers who performed domestically, while Bethell adds batting depth at No. 6.
🧾 Context: The Series Status & Stakes
- After Draw at Manchester, England lead the series 2–1, leaving them one win away from clinching the series. India must win at Oval just to level.
- Fatigue Factor: England have bowled 894 overs in just four matches—with Stokes and others showing signs of exhaustion.
🔍 Impact of Ben Stokes’ Absence on England
Ben Stokes has been England’s backbone, contributing as an all-rounder and a tactically sharp captain. His absence will:
✅ Weaken England’s middle order
✅ Put pressure on Joe Root & Harry Brook to score big
✅ Reduce England’s all-round depth in bowling
⚔️ India Team Updates
- India confirm vice‑captain Rishabh Pant will miss the 5th Test due to a fractured right foot sustained in Manchester. Narayan Jagadeesan is named as his replacement.
- Jasprit Bumrah is also expected to sit out to manage his workload; Akash Deep likely to come in.
🧠 What This Means for Match Dynamics
- England: Without their skipper and key bowler, leadership falls to Pope; bowling attack will be younger and unproven at Test level.
- India: The absence of Pant weakens their lower-order; resting Bumrah shifts dedication to spin options like Kuldeep and Jadeja.
📊 Series Scenario
- England lead the series 2-1, and a win or draw will secure the series for England. India, however, will be desperate to level the series 2-2 and avoid another defeat.
❓ FAQs – All You Need to Know
Q1: Why is Ben Stokes not playing the final Test?
A: A grade‑three shoulder tear ruled him out as a precaution.Q2: Who replaces him in the XI?
A: Jacob Bethell takes his batting position at No. 6; Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue strengthen pace options.Q3: Why were Archer, Carse and Dawson dropped?
A: All rested due to workload or form concerns; Atkinson and Overton have earned their place through domestic play.Q4: What are India missing?
A: Vice-captain Pant is out; Bowlers may opt for Bumrah rest, increasing reliance on Akash Deep and spin options.Q5: Who is captaining England?
Ollie Pope steps in as captain in Stokes’ absence.Q6: Will Jasprit Bumrah play the 5th Test?
A: Bumrah is likely to play if he clears the final fitness test before the match.
Q7: What is the date and venue of the 5th Test?
A: The 5th Test will be played from July 31 to August 4, 2025, at The Oval, London.
🧠 Final Thoughts
England’s injury-enforced revamp ahead of the series decider adds unpredictability. With Stokes, Archer, Carse, and Dawson absent, England rely on fresh legs and leadership by Pope. Meanwhile, India must navigate without Pant and possibly Bumrah. The Oval Test (July 31–Aug 4) promises a captivating finish to this gripping series.