Cricket Stokes out as England shun spin for Oval showdown

ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes felt it was just not worth the risk to his long-term fitness after being ruled out of the deciding fifth Test against India with a right shoulder injury.

- Rory DOLLARD Press Association

Stokes, whose deputy Ollie Pope will lead the team in his absence, has been battling a variety of issues over the course of the Rothesay series and has finally been laid low with a problem that reared its head during last week's draw at Old Trafford.

He will be replaced by Jacob Bethell, making his first Test appearance of the year in one of four changes to the England XI.

It is understood Stokes has sustained a grade-three muscle tear, meaning a significant layoff awaits the all-rounder, although he suggested a recovery time of between six and seven weeks once his rehabilitation starts.