Injury-plagued England had been dealt a extreme blow on Friday (August 1, 2025) after seamer Chris Woakes was ruled out of the continued fifth and remaining Test towards India with a suspected shoulder dislocation.
The all-rounder had to depart the sphere after touchdown awkwardly on his left shoulder whereas saving a ball hit by Karun Nair at long-off late through the opening day of the match on Thursday.
Woakes appeared in seen ache as he walked off the sphere together with his left arm wrapped in his sweater.
“England seamer Chris Woakes will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Rothesay Fifth Test at The Kia Oval, following a left shoulder injury sustained on day one of the match against India,” the England and Wales Cricket Board stated in a press release.
“At this stage, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation in the Test. A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series.”
Earlier on Thursday, Woakes teammate Gus Atkinson stated Woakes’ injury did not look good.
“I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great,” Atkinson stated after India reached 204 for six at stumps on the rain-affected day.
“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.”
Woakes bowled 14 overs on the opening day, selecting up the essential wicket of KL Rahul and conceded 46 runs. Woakes’ injury has added to the woes of England, who’re lacking a number of key gamers, together with captain Ben Stokes.
Atkinson picked up two wickets from his 19 overs on the opening day, and appeared assured to take up the duty in Woakes’ absence.
“Definitely, I feel fresh, I feel good,” Atkinson stated. “I know I’ve only got this one game to play so I can push the limits a bit,” he added.
England are main the five-Test sequence 2-1.
