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"Held His Arms Out Too Long" Fans Bring Up Handshake Saga To Troll Stokes' Shoulder Injury

Akshita Patel

Ben Stokes picks up shoulder injury after Manchester Test [Source: Getty, @yogesharma92, @notfunnyashu/X.com]Ben Stokes picks up shoulder injury after Manchester Test [Source: Getty, @yogesharma92, @notfunnyashu/X.com]

In a major setback, England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test against India due to a shoulder injury. But while English fans were in tatters, Indian fans felt it was a blessing in disguise and expressed their opinions on social media.

The star all-rounder, who was named Player of the Match in both the third and fourth Tests, sustained a tear in one of his shoulder muscles during the fourth Test in Manchester, where he bowled 35 overs across both innings.

Ben Stokes’ Injury Brings Ecstasy To Indian Fans

The English skipper, who was visibly in discomfort during the latter stages of the match, revealed to the press that bowling was immediately ruled out after the scan reports. Although he considered playing as a batter, the risk of aggravating the injury was deemed too high.

Stokes also revealed that the decision resulted in an emotional toll as he gave himself every chance to be fit for the crucial game at The Oval. 

Meanwhile, fans back in India are relieved to see Ben Stokes out of the lineup for the crucial 5th Test. The captain was a vital cog in their pace attack, capable of striking breakthroughs with rigorous spells.

Fans reacted to Stokes' injuries and taunted him for the handshake drama in Manchester, suggesting some handshakes can prove costly.

"Held his arm out too long and injured his shoulder 💔" - @internetumpire

Fan tweet [Source: @internetumpire/X.com]Fan tweet [Source: @internetumpire/X.com]

"Sad to hear Ben Stokes is missing the 5th test 😭😁" - @notfunnyashu

Fan tweet [Source: @notfunnyashu/X.com]Fan tweet [Source: @notfunnyashu/X.com]

"Tore a muscle without a handshake, handshake would’ve sent you straight to retirement💀🔥" - @yogesharma92

"Ben stokes will say “you want to win agains brook & ducker” handshake please" - @aabhiranjan

"Some handshakes can cause shoulder injuries. 😂" - @FollowChintan

Fan tweets [Source: @yogesharma92, @aabhiranjan, @FollowChintan/X.com]Fan tweets [Source: @yogesharma92, @aabhiranjan, @FollowChintan/X.com]

That being said, Ollie Pope will lead England in Ben Stokes’ absence. The team will also be without pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, as well as spinner Liam Dawson. 

Jacob Bethell is set to debut at No. 6, while Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue return to the playing XI. England are leading the 5-game series 2-1.