Chris Woakes, England’s experienced pacer, has been formally ruled out of the remainder of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval with a shoulder injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the news on the morning of Day 2.
Chris Woakes’ injury occurred late on Day 1 while attempting to save a boundary in India’s 57th over.
Running from mid-off, the 36-year-old dived full length to stop Karun Nair’s drive off Jamie Overton. Despite effectively preventing the ball from reaching the fence, he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder. Woakes appeared to be in great discomfort and gripped his shoulder before being helped off the pitch, using his jumper as a sling.
Despite returning to the team bus ahead of Day 2, Woakes, who was pictured with a plaster on his hand, was ruled out for the remainder of the match. The ECB announced that additional medical assessments will be conducted following the match to determine the degree of the injury.
It doesn’t look great: Gus Atkinson
Woakes was the only England fast bowler to feature in all five Tests of the ongoing series, delivering the most overs for his side. Though he had only taken 11 wickets at an average of 52.18, his experience under English conditions will be crucial, especially at The Oval, a venue that suits bowlers.
Notably, during the same incident, after running three Indian batters, Karun Nair chose not to take a fourth run upon seeing Woakes in pain on the ground. He denied his partner Washington Sundar, for another run.
Woakes’ is the new addition to England’s growing list of absentees. Already missing skipper Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and spinner Liam Dawson due to either injuries or workload management, England’s bowling resources are limited thin. They now rely on Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and part-timers Joe Root and Jacob Bethell to carry the load for the rest of the Test.
“I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great. It’s a big shame, last game of the series, and when anyone gets injured, it’s a shame. I’m hoping it’s not too bad, and whatever it is, he’ll get full support from everyone. Definitely, I feel fresh, I feel good. I know I’ve only got this one game to play so I can push the limits a bit,” Atkinson said on Woakes’ injury.
India
