There was surprise in the air as England announced the playing XI for the 5th and final Test against India, to be played at the Oval starting tomorrow. Ollie Pope shall captain the team in place of the rested Ben Stokes.
With 4 changes made to the team that played at Old Trafford, Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton would be playing their first game of the series while pacer Josh Tongue would be returning to the playing XI after featuring in the first two test matches.
Ben Stokes’ absence with a sore body is indeed a big blow for England. He not only has been the host’s best bowler with 17 wickets in 4 matches ( the highest on either side ), but has also batted and led brilliantly in this amazing test series. Stokes was constantly seen grabbing his shoulder and grimacing in pain after every ball he delivered at Old Trafford. With hardly 3 days for recovery, it was a big ask for Stokes to take the field again. With no risk of losing the series and the big Ashes challenge coming up later this year, England decided to give Ben Stokes a well-deserved rest.
Brydon Carse, who also contributed with bat and ball, looked jaded in the last test with his bowling in particular lacking the penetration expected from the burly all-rounder. The effort showed on his face in the 4th test. There wasn’t much left in the tank for Carse, and he had to make way for Josh Tongue.
Jofra Archer had a sensational return to Test Cricket, and at times, was difficult to negotiate with his steep bounce, pace and the away movement he got while bowling to left-handers. But again, his fragility with injuries and the Ashes series looming large, it was best to give Archer a break. Gus Atkinson would be taking his place in the playing XI.
Liam Dawson, too, has been dropped, which was surprising to me. Dawson fared well at Old Trafford and would have been given another chance. But with the young Bethell waiting in the wings, he was preferred by the team management. A tremendous batter and a decent spin bowler, Bethell might just be the balance required by England to help them play 4 quicks.
It is an interesting team with a great opportunity for Jacob Bethell, in particular, to impress the selectors and be a part of the Ashes squad.
England Playing XI:-
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Jamie Overton, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue.
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