England may be forced to continue the fifth and final Test against India with one less pacer as Chris Woakes appears unlikely to bowl again. The veteran seamer injured his left shoulder on Day 1 at The Oval after diving awkwardly to stop a boundary. Woakes was seen in visible pain, holding his arm in a makeshift sling as he left the field.
Gus Atkinson, his fellow fast bowler, later provided a bleak update. “It doesn’t look great,” Atkinson told the BBC. “I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game.” Woakes had been one of the few consistent pace options throughout the entire series and had just claimed the key wicket of KL Rahul with a superb delivery.
England’s support staff have been assessing Woakes since the incident, and although no official word has come yet, early signs suggest he may miss the rest of the Test.
Pace Attack Under Strain as Injuries Mount
England’s bowling resources are already stretched thin. Captain Ben Stokes, the series’ leading wicket-taker for England, is missing this match due to his own shoulder issue. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were also rested to manage workload. This leaves Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton as the main pace options.
Woakes, 36, has played all five Tests in the series, though his wicket tally has been modest on batting-friendly pitches. However, his ability to break partnerships and his experience were crucial to England’s plans.
With India ending Day 1 at 204/6 and conditions favoring bowlers, Woakes’ absence could make it harder for England to press for a win. His injury also raises doubts about his future with the national team, particularly with the Ashes later this year. If the damage is severe, it may put a serious dent in his chances of earning a place in that squad.
Stay tuned for all the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Cricket updates!
