England have decided to rest fast-bowler Jofra Archer for the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, starting July 31. Archer has been managed carefully after his return from long-term injury and will sit out the decider as part of England’s workload management strategy.
The 30-year-old pacer has been impressive since his comeback, taking nine wickets in two Tests, including best figures of 3/55 in the second innings at Lord's. Given the intense workload, the England management opted to give Archer a break to keep him fresh for the busy winter schedule.
Notably, Jofra Archer made his Test comeback after almost four years in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He helped England win the Lord's Test. He bowled over 88 overs in the two matches he played and with the Ashes ahead, England do not want to risk him.
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Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Fifth Test Due to Shoulder Injury
Adding to England’s selection challenges, captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the final Test with a right shoulder injury. Ollie Pope will step in to lead the side. Stokes admitted he had hoped to play as a specialist batter but the medical advice made the decision clear.
"We took as long as we could to make the decision. I came down [to the Oval] this morning to give myself every chance just to play as a batter – bowling was ruled out as soon as we got the scan results. It’s one of those where weighing up the risk and reward, the risk was way too high. Hearing where it could head to, it wasn’t something that was worth taking a risk on. I wouldn’t expect to put any of my players at risk of an injury like this. So I’ll start rehabbing now and focus on what we’ve got coming up in the winter. Once this series was done I was feet up anyway, so it doesn’t make too much difference," Stokes said as quoted on the eve of the match.
The recovery from an injury of this nature is expected to take around seven weeks, meaning Stokes should be fit ahead of England’s Ashes preparations later this year.
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England Going with Four Seamers at The Oval
England have made four changes to their line-up from the fourth Test in Manchester. Only Chris Woakes has retained his place from the previous bowling attack.
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Spinner Liam Dawson and pacer Brydon Carse have also been left out.
With Archer and others missing out, England have reshuffled their attack. Surrey seamers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton return to the playing XI alongside Nottinghamshire quick Josh Tongue, who featured earlier in the series.
Young left-hander Jacob Bethell has also been included.
Stokes underlined the importance of fielding four seamers at The Oval, citing the conditions.
"The way the Oval generally plays, the seamers are the ones who take your wickets. We felt we had to have four seamers, because that’s giving yourself the best chance to win the game before a ball’s been bowled. This [wicket] looks like it has a lot more live grass than the other wickets we’ve played on, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a lot more assistance there for the seamers."
Despite the absence of their inspirational leader, Stokes insisted England remain strong contenders. Notably, the hosts currently lead the series 2-1.
"We’ve still got a team of 11 matchwinners. One person doesn’t win you a game. Just because I’m playing or I’m not playing doesn’t mean we’re going to win or lose. This is an opportunity for 11 different people to put their hand up and hopefully win a game for England," Stokes concluded.
Also read: IND vs ENG: No Rest for Jasprit Bumrah! Sanjay Bangar Says India Must ‘Make Him Play’ at The Oval
