30 July 2025, Manchester: In a major setback for England, star all-rounder and regular captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India due to injury concerns. Vice-captain Ollie Pope will take over the captaincy duties for this crucial match.
England announced their playing XI featuring young talents like Jacob Bethell and Jamie Smith, alongside experienced names like Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, and Chris Woakes.
🏏 England Playing XI for the 5th Test:
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope (Captain)
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jacob Bethell
Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper)
Chris Woakes
Gus Atkinson
Craig Overton
Josh Tongue
📊 Series so far:
In the fourth Test at Manchester, India staged a remarkable fightback to force a draw thanks to brilliant centuries from Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shubman Gill in the second innings. Earlier, England had posted a mammoth 669 in their first innings, led by Joe Root’s double century, but India responded strongly to deny them victory.
With the series still alive, India leads 2–1 going into the final Test. England will look to level the series, while India aims to secure a historic series win on English soil.
Ben Stokes’ absence adds further intrigue, and all eyes will be on Ollie Pope’s leadership and the young players stepping up in this decider.
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