Ben Stokes Out Of Final Test vs India Because Of Injury In A Huge Blow To England

England cricket team skipper Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and last Test match against India on July 31 in a huge blow to the side. The game is the final encounter of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy and will be played at the Oval. Stokes who has been a key member of the England team with both bat and ball has had to take a backseat owing to a torn muscle. He told the media that the torn muscle was one of the muscles he could not pronounce and that the injury did not allow him to continue. Stokes admitted to being extremely disappointed and upset after hearing about the injury. He had hoped that he would at least be able to still play a part in the match as a batter but ultimately it was decided that even that would prove too risky.

Ben Stokes has been in good form in the ongoing Test series against India. He has made 304 runs in seven innings at a rate of more than 43 including a century. With the ball too he has impressed taking 17 wickets at a rate of 25.23 and posting best figures of five for seventy two. His display has ensured that England has taken a 2-1 lead in the series and he has even won two Player of the Match awards. Stokes has been relentless and has left everything on the field in each match his missing out in the series decider a huge loss. The last match was predicted to be another stern test but England will now be forced to go without their crucial leader.

Following the determination of the extent of the injury Stokes added that he gave himself every chance to be available just like a batter but it wasn't enough. He consulted with the medical staff and coach Brendon McCullum and after a lengthy discussion the decision was made to sit out. Stokes said when considering the risks and rewards the risk was just too high. He went on to say he would never want to risk putting any player including himself in harm's way of exacerbating a bad injury. The urgency now is to start rehabilitation and concentrate on this winter season.

Stokes being unavailable Ollie Pope has been appointed captain for the last game. Pope being a top order batter will now also be in charge of captaining the team. England's playing eleven for the Oval Test is Zak Crawley Ben Duckett Ollie Pope Joe Root Harry Brook Jacob Bethell Jamie Smith Chris Woakes Gus Atkinson Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue. The team has experienced some new faces and the side will have to come together in order to compensate for the loss of their regular skipper.

The fifth Test is of a lot of importance despite the fact that England have already guaranteed not to lose the series. For India it is about levelling the series 2-2 and going out on a positive note. India won a Test series in England in 2007 so a drawn series would still be a good note to go on. Following the draw in the last game at Old Trafford India are seeking to battle hard once again and reclaim some pride.

Stokes mentioned that after this series, he was anyway going to take some time out so this injury does not affect this part of his calendar as much. He also added that team dynamics have been fine and decisions such as these are never easy. Nobody would like to miss playing in big games but at times injuries do not allow that. Stokes now just needs to focus on rehabilitation and preparation for the challenges ahead.

The news of Stokes' elimination was rapidly circulated throughout the cricket world and the people have shown their support alongside disappointment. He is not just famous for his ability but for his leadership and capability to motivate others on the field. The manner in which he gives it his all in each match has earned him one of the most admired characters in contemporary cricket. His non-appearance in the deciding match will surely be missed by England as well as the fans who were expecting to see him in action.

Even with Stokes missing out the English side has enough potential. Joe Root and Harry Brook are some players who can perform big. The side will require all the players to come forward and deliver their best. On the contrary India will try to cash in on the situation and play with full passion to win. Without Stokes India have a marginally higher chance but they will again have to be at their absolute best.

This Test series has already provided enough drama and scintillating moments for the fans. Ben Stokes has been at the centre of most of that and it's unlucky that he will not be included in the final instalment. But injuries are a part of sporting life and knowing how to manage them wisely is as vital as playing smartly. England have made the right decision to keep one of their most prized assets safe and now the rest of the team need to take the momentum to the end.

As both sides gear up for the final match of this thrilling series attention now turns to how the players cope with the pressure. Will England wrap up the series with a win or will India rally and make it 2-2 is to be seen. One thing for sure is Ben Stokes will be keeping a close eye and wishing his team on while starting his recovery trail.