The Oval, London:
In a big turn of events the England men’s cricket team has made as many as 4 big changes ahead of the 5th and the last test match of the Andreson-Tendulkar Trophy at the Oval, London.
The big news is the omission of Ben Stokes, with Ollie Pope set to lead the hosts in the series finale from Thursday (31st July). Stokes’ place in the team has been taken by Jacob Bethell, who impressed on his debut tour in New Zealand last year.
The hosts have not picked a specialist spinner as Liam Dawson has made way for Jamie Overton, as in Stokes’ absence, England have played four pacers. As far as the spin department is concerned, both Joe Root and Bethell can contribute.
Express quick Jofra Archer has also been left out after making his Test comeback at Lord’s and playing two matches. Gus Atkinson will make a comeback in the team. Brydon Carse also has failed to find a spot after playing each of the first four matches, as Josh Tongue returns after being dropped for the third Test.
❌ Stokes is out!
❌ Dawson, Archer and Carse also miss out
✅ Bethell, Atkinson, Overton and Tongue come in pic.twitter.com/DSHhFS2V9r— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 30, 2025
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton
Why is Ben Stokes is out of the 5th Test?
English skipper Ben Stokes has suffered a decent tear in the right shoulder, which makes it riskier for the England skipper to continue in the last match of the series.
The road back starts here 👊 pic.twitter.com/MH6xObtj7c
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2025
Also Read: What Happens If India vs Pakistan WCL 2025 Semifinal Is Cancelled? All Scenarios Explained
