England's Stokes Injured, Pope to Captain in Final India Test

England captain Ben Stokes is sidelined with a shoulder injury for the fifth Test against India. Ollie Pope will lead the team. England holds a 2-1 series lead. Key players missing include Stokes, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse. Jacob Bethell is the sole spin option for England.

Ben Stokes, England's captain, has been ruled out of the crucial fifth and final Test against India due to a right shoulder injury. In his absence, Ollie Pope will captain the team. Stokes has been instrumental in the series, scoring 304 runs and taking 17 wickets, earning two Player of the Match awards.

The upcoming Test, starting Thursday, sees England leading 2-1 after India secured a draw at Old Trafford. Although the series win in England remains elusive for India since 2007, they aim to end on a high. Missing from the lineup are spinner Liam Dawson and fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse.

All-rounder Jacob Bethell, set to play at number six, is the only spin option for England. New inclusions Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue are expected to bolster the bowling attack. Tongue returns after taking 11 wickets in the series with notable performances at Birmingham.

(With inputs from agencies.)