Shoulder Tear Rules Out Ben Stokes from Final India Test; Says “Risk Was Too High”

Ben Stokes confirmed he will not play the fifth and final Test match against India at The Oval. The England skipper said he suffered a serious muscle tear in his shoulder. He wanted to bat, but the doctors ruled it out.

Stokes arrived at the stadium hoping to take part. He held a discussion with the England medical team early in the morning. They found that the muscle tear was worse than expected. He said the injury is in muscles he “can’t even pronounce.”

“I’m disappointed. I wanted to find a way to contribute with the bat,” Stokes said. “But the risk was way too high. I wouldn’t expect anyone else to play through this. I won’t either.”

Ollie Pope is captaining England in his absence. The vice-captain stepped up for this crucial Test at The Oval.

Stokes has played a massive role in the series so far. He won back-to-back Player of the Match awards at Lord’s and Old Trafford. In four matches, he scored 304 runs at an average of 43.42. He also took 17 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.

The injury happened during the fourth Test. Stokes appeared to be in discomfort while bowling. England team physios examined him during and after the match. The decision to rest him came only after a final check on the morning of the fifth Test.

Stokes’s absence is a big blow to England. He is their top all-rounder and a key motivator on the field. His performance with both bat and ball had helped level the series.

India leads the five-match series 2-1. The final Test will decide if England can level it or if India will clinch the series.

Pope, now leading the team, said he hopes to honour Stokes’s spirit. “We’ll miss him, but we’re ready to fight,” he said.