ENG vs IND 2025: Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer missing from England’s Playing XI for fifth Test

Hosts England have named their Playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the ongoing series against India of ENG vs IND 2025. There is, however, a massive moment of sorrow for the English side, as they will be without their skipper Ben Stokes. The star all-rounder has been ruled out of the summit clash of the series due to a severe injury to his right shoulder. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the development, while also notifying that vice-captain Ollie Pope will be leading The Three Lions’ pack in lieu of Stokes for the game starting July 31.

Jofra Archer, too, has been missing from the pace attack and so is Brydon Carse. In fact, England have revamped their entire bowling attack from the previous game, as comeback man Liam Dawson has also been denied a spot in the unit for the upcoming clash at The Oval. Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton and Jacob Bethell have come in to replace the departing names.

Chris Woakes, the most experienced pacer in the department, is the only name retained from the previous encounter. An incoming Bethell also means that the 21-year-old all-rounder will be the only spin option, of course, with part-time option available in the form of Joe Root. With an underpowered bowling unit, England will be hoping that they have made the right decision to rest Archer and Carse.

ENG vs IND 2025, England XI for 5th Test

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton

India to play without Bumrah

The bad news is not only for the hosts, as the visiting Indian side is also likely to go into the fifth Test without the services of their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. As a result, India are also likely to make a couple of changes, as Anshul Kamboj might be sidelined after a not-so-impressive outing on his international debut. Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are set to break in for the Oval encounter now. However, reports of Kuldeep Yadav being picked for the first time in the series have also emerged, which only time can confirm.