ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes is set to MISS the fifth and decisive England vs India test.

England currently lead the thrilling series 2-1, with a final test at The Oval set to get going TODAY.

The series got going in June, with England winning the first test by five wickets, before India won the second by 336 runs.

England then won a thrilling third test by 22 runs, with Mohammed Siraj clipping a ball that rolled back onto his stumps for the fifth and final wicket.

Jofra Archer has made a triumphant return to the international setup this summer, but he too misses out on the final test squad.

The fourth test ended in a draw, with India 425/4 when the two sides shook hands on day five of the test.

SunSport can reveal why Ben Stokes is not playing in the fifth and final test.

Why is Ben Stokes not playing for England vs India?

Captain Ben Stokes is out of the fifth England vs India test due to a shoulder injury.

Stokes is expected to be out of action for around six to seven weeks.

The all-rounder has struggled with a number of fitness issues throughout the series.

He will be replaced by Jacob Bethell in the side, with Ollie Pope captaining the side against India.

England currently lead the series 2-1 heading into the final test, with the fourth test at Old Trafford ending in a draw.

For the hosts, another draw would be good enough to walk home with the series win.