England captain Ben Stokes is out of the fifth Test against India due to a shoulder injury; Jofra Archer also misses out; Jacob Bethell comes in to the side;watch the fifth and final Test against India live on Sky Sports on Thursday from 10am (first ball 11am)
Wednesday 30 July 2025 11:53, UK
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Ben Stokes has been ruled out of England’s fifth Test against India, with the hosts making four changes for the Kia Oval fixture.
It is understood Stokes has sustained a grade three muscle tear around his right shoulder, meaning a significant lay-off awaits the all-rounder of around six to seven weeks.
Also missing out are spinner Liam Dawson and pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse.
Stokes has been battling a variety of fitness issues over the course of the series and has finally been laid low with a problem that reared its head during last week’s draw at Old Trafford.
England do not play Test cricket again until the Ashes this winter, meaning the 34-year-old could face a tight recovery period to be fit for the hotly anticipated series.
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“I am obviously disappointed,” Stokes said in his press conference on Wednesday.
Source: Skysports
