England Faces Major Changes Ahead of Final Test Against India

Significant Adjustments for England's Final Test

London: England will be without their injured captain Ben Stokes and leading fast bowler Jofra Archer for the upcoming fifth and final Test against India, which kicks off on Thursday. The team has made three alterations to their lineup for this crucial match.

Currently, England leads the series 2-1 after four fiercely contested Tests, which have included several controversies.

In Stokes' absence, Ollie Pope will take over as captain.

Stokes, who has been instrumental for the team with 17 wickets and crucial runs, is sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Archer, on the other hand, is being rested after recently returning to Test cricket following a four-year hiatus.

Additionally, Brydon Carse will also miss this final Test, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement released on Wednesday.

"Captain Ben Stokes is unavailable due to a right shoulder injury. Also missing are spinner Liam Dawson and pace bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse," the ECB noted.

"Jacob Bethell has been included in the squad and will bat at No.6. Surrey bowlers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton, along with Nottinghamshire's Josh Tongue, have also been added to the team," the statement added.

England's Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.