Jamie Overton is set to play his second Test match after more than three years.
Just a day before the Oval Test against India, England faced a major blow—regular captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test of the series. Alongside the absence of their seasoned all-rounder, England have made three more changes to their playing XI.
The final match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy kicks off on Thursday. As expected, England—who lead the five-match series 2-1—announced their squad the day before the game.
In the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which ended in a draw, Stokes delivered a brilliant all-round performance. He bowled 24 overs in the first innings, taking 5 wickets for 72 runs. He then dazzled with the bat as well, scoring a superb 141.
However, trouble began during India’s second innings. Stokes didn’t bowl at all on the fourth day and bowled just 11 overs on the fifth, visibly uncomfortable with his arm while bowling.
Now, England have officially confirmed that Stokes is suffering from a biceps tendon injury and will miss the Oval Test. This comes despite Stokes expressing hope just last Sunday that he could still play. Unfortunately, the injury has ruled him out.
Stokes has been in excellent form throughout the series, especially with the ball. He’s been England’s go-to bowler at crucial moments. His spell at Lord’s played a vital role in their thrilling win.
Across the four Tests, Stokes claimed 17 wickets—more than anyone else in the series. With the bat, he scored 304 runs across seven innings.
In Stokes’ absence, Ollie Pope will lead the England side at the Oval.
Due to “heavy workload,” pacers Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer have been rested. Carse played the first four Tests, while Archer made his Test comeback after over four years and featured in the last two matches.
Left-arm spin all-rounder Liam Dawson has been dropped. He had returned to England’s Test squad after more than eight years, playing the Manchester Test.
With others ruled out or rested, Jamie Overton finally gets another opportunity. He last played a Test in June 2022 against New Zealand—his only one so far.
Josh Tongue returns to the XI after featuring in the Headingley and Edgbaston Tests against India, where he impressed with 11 wickets in those two games.
Gus Atkinson, fully recovered from a hamstring injury, is also back and will play his first game of the series. The right-arm pacer has taken 55 wickets in 12 Tests for England, with his last appearance coming against Zimbabwe in May.
The relatively inexperienced bowling unit will be led by veteran Chris Woakes, who has played all four Tests in the series.
Jacob Bethell, who last played a Test in December 2023, is also back. The left-hander has scored 260 runs with three fifties in three Tests and adds value with his spin alongside Joe Root.
England XI for the Oval Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (capt), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.
