• Source:JND
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India vs England 5th Test: Former England captain Nasser Hussain emphasises the importance of Chris Woakes in the hosts' playing XI for the fifth and final Test against India and believes the veteran pacer in the attack at The Oval, where the green pitch and cloudy conditions could prove advantageous.

So far in the series, Woakes, England's pace bowling spearhead, has bagged 10 wickets in four matches, which the hosts' are leading by 2-1.

"It is good to see Atkinson back as he adds to the batting as well as the bowling but I think Woakes is the key. He will have got out of bed this morning stiff and sore after playing all four Tests so far but then seen the pitch. His body might be exhausted but he has waited two months for a pitch like this so make sure you use it well," said Hussain on Sky Sports' broadcast.

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Heading into the high-stakes 5th Test, England dealt with a big blow as the regular skipper Ben Stokes was ruled out of the crucial last encounter. In the four Tests so far, Stokes has taken 17 wickets and been undoubtedly the best bowler on either side.

Former England captain Michael Atherton questioned whether the packed schedule has taken its toll on Stokes.

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"Stokes is the most important cricketer in this team, partly because of his outstanding leadership but also because he is right back to his best as a genuine all-rounder," Atherton said.