Will Chris Woakes bat on Day 5 of ENG vs IND 5th Test? Joe Root drops shocking news

When England’s most experienced bowler of this week against India, Chris Woakes, dislocated his shoulder on the opening day of the fifth Test at the Kennington Oval in South London, nobody expected him to be available for the rest of the contest. However, with the home side needing 35 runs to win and having four wickets in the bank to win the contest and the series, speculation has started on whether Woakes would be able to bat.

Joe Root, the former captain of the side and one of the two centurions of the second innings, revealed that it would be likely for the veteran to walk through the stairs with the bat at number 11 if they find themselves at a critical juncture on the fifth day.

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‘He's all-in, like the rest of us. It's been that kind of series, where guys have had to put bodies on the line. Hopefully, it doesn't get to that. But he had some throwdowns in here [indoor nets] at one point, and he's ready if needed. He's desperate to do what it takes.’ Root expressed at the end of the fourth day in the press conference.

Joe Root remains hopeful of Chris Woakes’ batting on Day 5 of ENG vs IND 5th Test

There is the famous image of the former West Indies pacer, Malcolm Marshall, who walked in similar circumstances at Trent Bridge. It would be a huge step for the experienced campaigner, who might get ruled out of the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 trip this winter. However, Root wasn’t sure of the entire scenario of whether he had practiced. 

‘I'm not sure, I've not seen him practice yet. You might get a better indication tomorrow if he has some throwdowns in the morning. He's in a huge amount of pain, having done what he's done. It just shows, as we've seen from other guys in this series, [Rishabh] Pant batting with a broken foot, guys taking all sorts of blows here and there.’ Root addressed.

‘It just shows the character and the person that he's willing to put his body on the line like that for England, and hopefully, well, hopefully he doesn't have to, but if it does come to that, get us across the line and win us an incredible series.’ The former England captain concluded.