NO FIT BOWLERS, NO ASHES GLORY

Verdict from The Oval

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NEVER mind pray for Ben Stokes. The nation should also think about offering a benediction for the good health of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Brydon Carse.

Watching England's bowlers toil at The Oval in their bid to stop India putting the fifth Test out of reach by the end of the third day was only made more stark by the thought of what would happen should a second-string attack be asked to do the same in this winter's Ashes.

Much will depend on Stokes (above) and his key quicks staying fit for a series being squeezed into a seven-week period.