England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has expressed his deep disappointment at being forced to sit out the fifth and final Test against Australia at The Oval, citing the “unacceptable risk” his injury posed to both his fitness and the team’s chances.
Stokes, who has been struggling with a lingering knee issue, made the tough call after consulting the team’s medical staff. Though visibly frustrated, the England captain admitted that pushing through the pain barrier could have backfired.
“The risk was way too high. I hate missing out, especially when it comes to Ashes deciders, but I had to be honest with myself and the team. I wasn’t close to 100%,” Stokes said in a press interaction on the eve of the Test.
Stokes had managed to play through the earlier part of the series but admitted the toll was becoming unbearable. He revealed he had been undergoing multiple painkiller injections and physiotherapy sessions daily just to stay on the field.
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“We were trying everything—rehab, injections, taping—but I knew I was reaching my limit. The medical team warned me that one wrong movement could aggravate the injury severely and put me out for months.”
This is not the first time Stokes has played through injury, famously doing so during England’s 2019 World Cup campaign and in various Ashes battles. However, the 34-year-old acknowledged that the long-term consequences are more serious now.
The decision means England will be without their inspirational leader in a crucial encounter, with vice-captain Ollie Pope stepping in to lead the side. Young all-rounder Rehan Ahmed has been added to the XI as a replacement.
Despite his absence, Stokes expressed full faith in his teammates.
“This group has shown incredible fight. I’ll be cheering them on from the dressing room. It’s their moment now.”
The fifth Test is crucial for England as they trail 2-1 in the Ashes series, and will need a win to level the series and avoid a home defeat to arch-rivals Australia.
With Stokes likely to undergo further scans post-series, questions now loom over his availability for England’s upcoming winter tour of India. For now, however, England fans will miss the gritty presence of their warhorse in what could have been a classic finale.
