Chris Woakes didn’t want to bat against 90 mph bouncers from Mohammed Siraj on Day 5 of the fifth Test vs India. The England all-rounder was torn between his fighting spirit and fear of facing fast bowling with a dislocated shoulder. Despite his injury, Woakes walked out to bat to chase 17 runs with one wicket remaining.
England needed 35 runs with four wickets in hand before the start of Day 5. Jamie Overton began strongly with consecutive fours, raising hopes for a quick win. But India’s Mohammed Siraj then produced a masterful spell, dismissing Jamie Smith and Overton quickly. Prasidh Krishna also cleaned up Josh Tongue. England were nine wickets down with 17 runs still required.
Woakes entered the crease holding his bat in his right hand. His left arm remained in a sling under his sweater. The crowd at The Oval gave him a loud standing ovation. His courage and determination shone through despite obvious physical pain.
Woakes ran singles on the last balls of several overs to keep Gus Atkinson on strike. He even managed a double in between. His grimace revealed the pain he felt with every step, but he refused to give up. Their partnership added 10 vital runs, keeping England’s hopes alive. However, Siraj bowled a ruthless yorker to bowl out Atkinson, sealing India’s six-run victory and ending the series at 2-2.
Woakes Grateful Not to Face 90mph Bouncers One-Handed
Woakes later told The Guardian that he was thankful he didn’t have to face any 90 mph bouncers from Siraj or Krishna with just one hand. “It was bittersweet,” he said. “Part of me wondered if I could have defended or scored, but I was also relieved I didn’t face those fast bouncers one-handed and from the wrong side.”
He admitted that he expected to face several intimidating deliveries if he got on strike. “Those were anxious moments. You feel very exposed out there,” Woakes said.
Woakes’ Fighting Spirit Shone Despite Injury
Woakes’ decision to bat came three days after he was officially ruled out of the Test due to a dislocated shoulder. He knew the target was tough but felt duty-bound to try. England needed those final 17 runs with only one wicket in hand. If Woakes had refused to bat, India would have won.
Woakes revealed he even wanted to bat during England’s first innings but was stopped by head coach Brendon McCullum. “No chance, boss,” McCullum told him. “Park up and we’ll see what happens later.”
His willingness to put his body on the line under such difficult circumstances proved his grit and courage
Chris Woakes didn’t want to bat against 90 mph bouncers from Siraj with one hand on Day 5 of the fifth Test vs India. However, his determination forced him to walk out to bat with a serious injury. Despite never facing a ball, Woakes helped keep England’s hopes alive before India clinched a thrilling six-run win to draw the series 2-2. His story remains a testament to courage and fighting spirit in cricket.
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