Why is Ben Stokes not playing today in ENG vs IND 5th Test at the Oval?

India and England are tussling in the ongoing series for one final time. The fifth which commenced on July 31 saw some major changes as England captain Ben Stokes was rested for the game at The Oval. Stokes who was seen bowling more often than not in the series is currently nursing a shoulder injury and Ollie Pope has been named as the captain in his absence.

Other than Stokes there some major changes in the team. The likes of Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Liam Dawson were also rested and the team has brought Jacob Bethel, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue for the fifth game.

Read More: Gill was solid, Jaiswal on song- Net bowler reports about team India's preparation for ENG vs IND 5th Test

England and India playing XI

England (Playing XI):

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope(c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue

India (Playing XI):

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj