England lead India 2-1 in the five match test series after the Manchester Test ended in a draw. The fifth and final Test begins Thursday (July 30). A draw would secure the series win for England; a loss would split the trophy. Ahead of this crucial match, England captain Ben Stokes is injured and ruled out. Including Stokes, four players are missing from England’s XI for the final Test.

Pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse have been rested, while Liam Dawson has been dropped. Four players are absent overall. Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue come into the XI. Batter Ollie Pope will lead this youth-oriented team.

Chris Woakes will lead a relatively inexperienced pace attack. Spin duties will fall solely to Jacob Bethell and Joe Root.

Stokes bowled 11 overs during the Manchester Test, sustaining a bicep injury while bowling. By Sunday (July 27) evening, Stokes indicated he likely couldn’t play the Oval Test. It was later confirmed he suffered a grade-three bicep tear, ruling him out.

Stokes’ absence is a significant setback for England. He provided frontline leadership, took 17 wickets, and scored a century in Manchester – his first in two years. He was ‘Player of the Match’ in the last two Tests. This injury is disappointing for him and the team. Additionally, he suffered hamstring injuries twice last year. The captain’s injury ahead of the Ashes will concern England’s management.