The England Cricket Board (ECB) have announced England's playing XI for the fifth Test match against India, which will start from July 31 at The Oval. England will feature with four changes in the last Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Skipper Ben Stokes has been rested for the final Test and Ollie Pope will lead the side in his absence.
Apart from Ben Stokes, Liam Dawson, speedster Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse are also out from England's playing XI for the last Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. ECB named Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton in their playing XI for the Oval Test.
ALSO READ: India to hand debut to 26-year-old pacer in fifth Test against England? Report makes massive claim
ALSO READ: ZIM vs NZ: Zimbabwe veteran recalled for New Zealand Test series after 3.5-year ban
ECB revealed that skipper Ben Stokes will miss the fifth Test because of a shoulder injury. Stokes was one of the key performers in the ongoing series. Jofra Archer, who featured for England in the third and fourth Test matches, missed his spot in the playing XI might be because of workload management.
"Disappointed. Decent tear in the muscles I can't pronounce. I came down here this morning trying to find ways just to contribute with the batting. With after discussions with the medical team it was decided. The risk was way to much high. I wouldn't have expected anyone else in my place to risk this aswell" said Ben Stokes after missing spot in 5th Test.
Dawson made his return to Tests after an eight-year gap during the fourth Test at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, but could take only one wicket and contributed 26 with the bat.
England has included all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who will bat at number six, and is also the sole spin option for the hosts. Surrey bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton come into the side, along with Nottinghamshire quick Josh Tongue. Tongue last featured in the Birmingham Test and so far has taken 11 wickets at an average of 33.63, with best figures of 33.63.
England Playing XI for 5th Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.