Ben Stokes bows out of final Test, backs team to finish strong

After ruling himself out of the fifth and final Test against India due to a shoulder injury, England skipper Ben Stokes expressed confidence in his team’s ability to finish the job, stating that the injury was “too big a risk” to aggravate.

The 34-year-old, who has led England to a 2-1 series lead with 302 runs and 17 wickets including a five-wicket haul at Old Trafford confirmed that vice-captain Ollie Pope would lead the hosts in his absence.

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“Disappointed not to finish the series. I have a decent tear in a muscle I can’t pronounce,” Stokes said at the pre-match press conference.

“I came down here this morning trying to find ways just to contribute with the bat. After discussions with the medical team, the decision was made. The risk was way too high. I wouldn’t expect anyone else in my position to take that risk either.”

Stokes has been at the heart of England’s resurgence in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, winning Player of the Match honours at both Lord’s and Old Trafford. With England aiming for a 3–1 series win, many believe his absence from the final Test could hurt their chances. But the all-rounder disagrees, stressing that cricket is a team game.

“One man doesn’t win or lose you a game. Whether I’m playing or not doesn’t determine the result. There are other players who are more than capable,” he said.

Reflecting on the intensity of the series, Stokes admitted the toll it has taken on him both physically and mentally. He revealed that he has bowled 140 overs across the four matches — his heaviest bowling workload in a series since the 2013–14 Ashes.

“It’s taken a big toll on the body. Physically it’s tiring, but it’s also been mentally draining. It’s been a tough, gruelling series — a real test of character and physicality. The way both teams have fought shows how much this format means to India and England.”

The England captain also criticised the inconsistent scheduling between matches, suggesting a more balanced approach could benefit players from both sides.

“The gaps between games could have been better. Some breaks were 8–9 days long, others just 3–4. A consistent 4–5 day gap would have helped. It’s been tough for both teams — a lot of overs bowled and long hours in the field,” he observed.

Looking ahead, Stokes confirmed he would begin rehabilitation with an eye on England’s winter fixtures. “I was going to put my feet up anyway after the series, so it doesn’t really matter,” he said with a smile.

On the Jadeja-Sundar Incident

Stokes also addressed the tense closing moments of the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, when he offered a handshake to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as the match approached a draw.

With both Indian batters nearing personal milestones, they declined the offer and continued batting, prompting a visible reaction from Stokes, who was caught on the stump mic asking Jadeja, “Do you want to score a hundred against Harry Brook?”

Now, Stokes insists it’s time to move on.

“I understand why Jadeja and Sundar wanted to get their hundreds. But I wasn’t going to make my bowlers keep bowling. We’re over it, India are over it. Let’s not focus on those 20 minutes — it’s been a great series,” he said.

“Jadeja and Washington batted really well to take the game to that point, and it’s understandable they wanted their centuries. We’ve moved on and hope India has too.”

When asked about the much-talked-about incident involving India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Oval ground staff earlier in the week, Stokes gave a diplomatic reply: “I don’t know, I wasn’t here.”