Ben Stokes ruled out of crunch final Test against India

FootballSports
30 Jul 2025 • 7:05 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India due to a right shoulder injury.
  • The injury is a muscle tear that will require six to seven weeks to fully repair, with Stokes prioritising his fitness for the upcoming Ashes series.
  • Stokes' absence is one of four changes made to the England squad for the Test at The Oval, where England currently leads the series 2-1.
  • Jacob Bethell will come into the side to bat at number six, replacing Stokes.
  • Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse have also been replaced by Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue in a refreshed bowling attack.

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