Ben Stokes’ shoulder injury sidelines him for the final Test against India, prompting him to criticise the series’ demanding schedule and inconsistent gaps between matches. Stokes emphasised the physical and mental toll on both teams. He addressed the handshake controversy and praised the series’ competitive spirit, while also commenting on the Oval’s seam-friendly pitch. Ben Stokes’ shoulder injury sidelines him for the final Test against India, prompting him to criticise the series’ demanding schedule and inconsistent gaps between matches. Stokes emphasised the physical and mental toll on both teams. He addressed the handshake controversy and praised the series’ competitive spirit, while also commenting on the Oval’s seam-friendly pitch.