England have announced their squad for the last Test against India at the Oval. With captain Ben Stokes injuring himself during the Manchester Test, the English management has decided to bring Jamie Overton back.
The tall all-rounder was relieved from the squad to play in the County Championship, but since Stokes had a hamstring and shoulder issue, he has been called upon. Sam Cook, who was also dropped from the squad for the fourth Test, hasn’t been added.
English bowlers, especially Stokes and Brydon Carse, looked completely knackered. Carse’s speed decreased, and so did his accuracy. He was all over the place and bowled the least out of the 3 English fast bowlers.
Jamie Overton to replace Ben Stokes
Stokes had injured himself while batting, but the England camp delivered the message that it was just cramps. However, it was evident when Stokes was fielding that he couldn’t move. He was limping on the 4th day while walking.
But being the leader of the team, Stokes came out to bowl on the fifth day. He delivered an 8-over spell, the longest for any bowler in the match. He clutched his hamstring after each delivery. Later, he started having issues with his left shoulder. But still got KL Rahul’s wicket.
With just a 3-day turnaround, Stokes might have to sit out. He will wait to play, but Brendon McCullum might pull him out, as they have their eyes set on the Ashes 2025. If Stokes doesn’t play, Overton comes in at the Oval as a like-for-like replacement for him. It’s not an ideal situation; England won’t want Stokes to warm the bench but for his and the team’s future.
England squad for 5th India Test
Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope (vc), Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
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