ENG vs IND 2025: ‘The risk was way too high’ – Ben Stokes gives injury update after being ruled out of Oval Test

Ben Stokes is all set to miss the fifth and final Test match against India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. The England captain is recuperating from a shoulder injury. Ollie Pope will lead England in Stokes’ absence in the series decider.

On Wednesday, July 30, England announced its playing XI, one day ahead of the start of the fifth Test at The Oval in London. Apart from Stokes, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, and Brydon Carse will not be available to play the fifth Test.

Stokes said that he was keen to play the match as a specialist batter. However, after medical consultation, he understood that it would be too much of a risk. The star all-rounder bowled some long spells, especially in the last two games. Stokes bowled 35 overs across both innings in the third Test at Lord’s and was seen clutching his right shoulder during the spell.

“Disappointed. A 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. After discussions with the medical team, it was decided. The risk was way too high. I wouldn’t have expected anyone else in my place to risk this as well,” Stokes said in the pre-match press conference.

One man doesn’t win or lose you a game: Stokes

Stokes backed his teammates to do the job and seal the series at The Oval, even in his absence. Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton are getting opportunities to represent the Three Lions in this marquee fixture.

“One man doesn’t win or lose you a game. Whether I’m playing or not it doesn’t mean we’ll win or lose. There are other players who are capable,” Stokes added.

India are trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. They drew the most recent Test match on the back of second-innings centuries from Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja. Shubman Gill and Co. will look to give a tough time to the hosts, who will now be led by Pope.

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