Ben Stokes OUT of decisive England vs India test as hosts make four changes for finale of controversial series

ENGLAND have suffered a major blow ahead of their Test series decider against India.

Captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth Test after suffering a grade three shoulder tear during the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

PAEngland captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth Test with India[/caption]

GettyStokes suffered a shoulder tear in the fourth Test draw at Old Trafford[/caption]

GettyDuring the match, Stokes was involved in a row with the India batters after they refused to shake hands on a draw[/caption]

Surrey’s Ollie Pope will captain the England team at his home ground – The Oval.

Stokes said on the decision to leave himself out: “It’s a decent tear of one of the muscles that I can’t pronounce.

“We took as long as we could to take the decision. I came down here to give myself a chance to play as a batter.

“Bowling was ruled out as soon as the scan results came.

“It was one of those, weighing up the risk and reward, and the risk was way too high if I damaged it further than it is.

“I wouldn’t expect to put any of my players to play with this kind of injury. I’m very disappointed.”

Fast bowlers Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer have also been left out to protect their fitness ahead of the Ashes in November, along with spinner Liam Dawson.

In their place, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton step into the side, while highly-rated all-rounder Jacob Bethell will replace Stokes at No6.

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The Test has taken on added meaning after a number of controversies over the past week.

England lead the series 2-1 after India comfortably batted out a draw when things looked to be going against them at Old Trafford.

But things got heated on the final day when the Indians refused to shake hands on a draw until Ravi Jadeja and Washington Sundar had reached their centuries.

Stokes then dismissively asked if they were happy getting a century off the bowling of batters Harry Brook and Ben Duckett.

Jadeja got to his his hundred off a delivery from very occasional bowler Brook.

But just two days later, India were involved in controversy with the Surrey chief curator.

Groundsman Lee Fortis confronted the India team while they were practising after reportedly being left frustrated with them using the main square, which he wanted to protect.

But in return, coach Gautam Gambhir could be seen pointing his finger.

And Gambhir was heard saying: “You don’t tell us what to do, you’re just a groundsman.”