Star England pacer, Chris Woakes incurred injury in the final Test against India at the Kennington Oval. Despite his shoulder injury, he came out to bat on the fifth day of the Test as England were inching closer towards a potential win or lose situation at that point in time.

Though England lost the game by a margin of six runs, Woakes’ resilience was hailed by many fans and cricket pundits alike. This is also casted shadow on his potential inclusion for the upcoming Ashes 2025. But the pacer has provided an update on his injury and recovery process. He added that process has come has good news for him and he is looking forward to get back in shape as soon as possible.

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"Certainly good news for me. That's the best way to look at it. Obviously out of the sling and I feel like I can move it a lot better now, which is good two weeks down the line," Woakes said while speaking to Sky Sports.

"I suppose once you get a little bit more movement into it, it feels a little bit more normal. But there's still a lot of work to do. I'm going to try and stay focused on the rehab and get it as strong as possible. Ideally, I won't need surgery for now, but we'll see how that goes and hopefully we can get it nice and strong again," he added.

England’s predicted playing XI for Ashes 2025-26:

Ben Duckett, Haseeb Hameed, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes, the veteran England pace bowling all-rounder, walked out to bat with his broken arm on the sling as they looked to win the fifth and final Test of the series against India at the Kennington Oval. He was present with the host broadcaster, Sky Sports Cricket, during The Hundred 2025 clash between Trent Rockets and Birmingham Phoenix. 

The all-rounder shed light on how they would have to wait to know the depth of the injury after going through the scans for a couple of days. Woakes felt that he didn’t think of getting the chance to bat once he injured himself on the wet outfield at Kennington Oval, South London.

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“I am alright. I have been better. It had been a tough week with a few ups and downs in emotion. It’s still in the sling, so we still work on it and have to wait and watch the depth of the damage. When you have such an injury, you feel that your game is done, but close to it goes, it wasn’t a matter of whether I would be there or not.” Woakes expressed on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Chris Woakes highlights his one-arm heroics during ENG vs IND 5th Test

The Birmingham-born analyzed how the Hundred game will be around various New Zealand players. He also disclosed the little banter between the bowling coach of the national side, Tim Southee, and Joe Root.

"I'm alright. I've been better." 😅

Chris Woakes discusses his one-armed heroics on the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval 💪 pic.twitter.com/tuyKLxEKqc

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 8, 2025

“It was about how I was going to approach it. Emotions were high when I went out there with Gus. I would not have had to face a ball. There are stars up and down in both these teams in the game of the Hundred. I think the bowling attack of Phoenix looks good. Adam Milne is a very good attack.” Woakes added.

“Trent Boult, for the very first time in The Hundred, and he will look to move the new ball with Tim Southee. You got the World stage batter in Trent Boult. There had been a bit of banter with Tim Southee having a go at Joe Root (England dressing room).” Chris Woakes concluded.

Just 48 hours after he walked out to a standing ovation with a dislocated shoulder on the fifth morning of the fifth Test against India at the Kennington Oval, Chris Woakes looked back at the day as he awaited the scans on the injury. He finished the series with 11 wickets in five games at an average of 52.18 as his absence left a huge mark on the home bowling set-up.

With the selfless act, he crossed the boundary to bat at the number 11 position, walking on the same lane as Malcolm Marshall in 1984, Colin Cowdrey in 1963, and India's Rishabh Pant at Old Trafford a few days ago. He could have suffered a potentially career-threatening injury, but the veteran had only one focus.

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“I don’t know what it is. You just know you’re part of something bigger. It’s not just you that you’re playing for out there. It’s your team and your teammates, all the hard work and the sacrifices they put in, the people watching at home, and on the ground. You just feel a duty to do it for everyone.” Woakes expressed in The Guardian in a recent interaction.

Chris Woakes devasted not to get the fairytale with series-winning victory

Woakes didn’t only walk into the middle. But he was in severe pain when Gus Atkinson pushed him for two singles on the last balls of two consecutive overs. He sustained the injury on the opening evening session while diving to stop the boundary on the wet outfield.

“I’m still gutted, devastated really, that we couldn’t get the fairytale. But I never considered not going out there, even if it had been 100 runs still to win or whatever. It was nice to have the ovation, and some of the Indian players came over to show their respect. But any other player would have done the same. You couldn’t just call it off at nine wickets down.” The Birmingham-born recalled.

“The pain came on pretty quickly, and my arm was just hanging there. It was grim, and my thoughts were racing. ‘Is it game over? Is the career done?’ It was a horrible place to be. We got it into a makeshift sling with my jumper and got off the field.” Chris Woakes added, who is unlikely to get picked for the away Ashes 2025/26 trip down under.

The final day of the fifth Test match between India and England at The Oval was a roller-coaster match with thrill and drama, and it produced a thrilling result and a wonderful moment of respect and sportsmanship. Indian batters KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were seen acknowledging England’s Chris Woakes for his extraordinary guts, despite squeezing pressure and agony, in what turned out to be one of the most thrilling climaxes in modern Test cricket.

England began Day 5 needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand, chasing an imposing 374-run target set by India. The tension was high, and the cricket was of the highest quality. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled with heart, and the wickets kept falling. But the highlight of the morning, apart from India sealing a six-run win, was Chris Woakes walking out to bat with a dislocated shoulder and his arm in a sling, willing to do whatever it took to help England reach the finish line.

Woakes had injured himself while fielding on Day 1, and it was uncertain whether he would bat at all. Yet, with 17 runs still needed and only one wicket remaining, he walked in at No. 11, unable to even hold the bat properly. Though he didn’t face a single ball Siraj bowled, Gus Atkinson, before Woakes could get on strike, his mere presence at the crease spoke volumes.

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Watch the video:

KL Rahul & Shubman Gill Appreciate Chris Woakes Dedication For Cricket! pic.twitter.com/brkSBTlaI2

— 𝐀•ᴷᴸ ᴿᵃʰᵘˡ ˢᵗᵃⁿ (@123Centurion__) August 4, 2025

Rahul and Gill’s gesture for injured Woakes shows the true spirit of the game

KL Rahul gave Woakes a pat on the back mere moments before he accepted Shubman's respectful gesture for coming out to bat injured. A brief, significant moment that summed up Test cricket competition with respect. Woakes' willingness to bat injured drew comparisons to Rishabh Pant's brave attempt earlier in the series, where he batted injured with a leg ailment. England Captain Joe Root even used Pant as an example while praising Woakes' character.

India’s stunning win and the 2–2 series draw will be remembered for years, but so will that moment of sportsmanship, a reminder that sometimes, the game is bigger than just the result. It’s about character, courage, and camaraderie.

India pulled off a nail-biting 6-run win over England in the final Test at The Oval, ending the series in style. The last morning was full of tension, nerves and brilliant fast bowling that turned the game India’s way after Joe Root and Harry Brook’s hundreds had put England in control on Day 4.

England started the day needing just 35 runs, and Prasidh Krishna was hit for two boundaries straight away. But then Mohammed Siraj stepped up. He got Jamie Smith caught behind with a perfect delivery, and almost dismissed Gus Atkinson the very next ball. In his next over, he trapped Jamie Overton LBW, with the decision staying as umpire’s call.

Prasidh came back and nearly got Josh Tongue out LBW, but the review saved him. A couple of overs later, he bowled Tongue with a beauty. England were nine wickets down, still needing 11 runs. Chris Woakes, batting left-handed with one hand because of a shoulder injury, tried to fight on. Atkinson hit Siraj for a six but couldn’t survive much longer. Siraj bowled him clean, and the celebrations began.

Siraj finished with five wickets, including three on the final morning. “We just kept believing,” he said. “This team never backs down.” Once again, India showed the heart and fight of champions.

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Twitter reactions after Mohammed Siraj holds nerve as India edge England by 6 runs in Oval thriller

Not a single TRUE #MohammedSiraj or #IndianCricketTeam fan dares scroll past this 💥🇮🇳

India won by 6 runs ❤️ #OvalTest 😤#INDvsENG #OvalTest #INDvsENGTest #Siraj #OvalTest pic.twitter.com/KZlAJyBjAk

— Kholinati!on_👑🚩 (@cryptoHolder09) August 4, 2025

From tension to triumph! 🇮🇳

In the heart of England, India roared back, and it was Siraj's fiery spell that turned the tide!

A match that had us on the edge till the end… A victory every Indian will cherish with pride. pic.twitter.com/MAaOfqu7xo

— Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) August 4, 2025

Siraj you did it 🔥🔥🔥 India won by 6 runs pic.twitter.com/ftgKI8wVDv

— Mustafa Saifi (@mustfa_saifi) August 4, 2025

What. A. Victory! 🇮🇳🔥

Nail-biting finish in England and India holds its nerve!

Mohammed Siraj was on fire when it mattered the most, absolute clutch performance by Indian Team. pic.twitter.com/1TJILrle7h

— Uday Bhanu Chib (@UdayBhanuIYC) August 4, 2025

What a match well done, Team India!
A brilliant spell by Siraj turned the tide.
India defeated England by 6 runs in a thrilling finish at The Oval!#ENGvsIND #INDvsENGTest #Siraj #India@mdsirajofficial pic.twitter.com/CfqtOZBqfM

— Sadhik@93 🪓🪓 (@IconSaaga0666) August 4, 2025

What a phenomenal fightback by Team India 🇮🇳🔥

Mohammed Siraj led the charge with a stunning 5-wicket haul to seal a nail-biting 6-run win at The Oval!
The entire team showed grit, character, and belief to level the series 2-2 on English soil. 💪🏽

Proud of the boys for this… pic.twitter.com/1mz6VvjsFN

— Anil Kumar Yadav (@AKY_INCMP) August 4, 2025

What a match well done, Team India!
A brilliant spell by Siraj turned the tide.
India defeated England by 6 runs in a thrilling finish at The Oval!#ENGvsIND #INDvsENGTest #Siraj #India pic.twitter.com/DUwxRXlCNB

— Bharat Choudhary P'cist 🇮🇳 (@BharatPcist) August 4, 2025

Kismat badi kutti cheez hai..
Saali kabhi bhi palat jaati hai ❤️

Siraj ‘Siuuuuuuuu! You absolute beauty! From that heartbreaking overspin of a ball hitting the stumps at Lords,to uprooting Atkinson’s stumps at The Oval to take India through the barest of margins.

What a game pic.twitter.com/DW8311PEMH

— ASR (@ashes_roy) August 4, 2025

What a match well done, Team India!
A brilliant spell by Siraj turned the tide.
India defeated England by 6 runs in a thrilling finish at The Oval!#ENGvsIND #INDvsENGTest #Siraj #India pic.twitter.com/nTYAv4JgDJ

— ANIL BADRAKIYA 🇮🇳 (@anil5787) August 4, 2025

From the start of the fifth day and even towards the end of the fourth day of the fifth Test between England and India at the Kennington Oval, the discussion was only around Chris Woakes and whether he would walk out to bat with a dislocated shoulder that he had on the opening day while chasing a delivery in the outfield. Since then, he has not taken any part in the contest.

Joe Root, after the end of the fourth day, in the press conference, claimed, ‘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.’

See Also: [WATCH] Mohammed Siraj traps Jamie Overton LBW on Day 5 of ENG vs IND 5th Test

And it did happen eventually. After Josh Tongue’s dismissal, Chris Woakes walked through the stairs with his broken arm strapped to his jumper. It was hard to see the courage of the players, especially after Risabh Pant walked out with a broken foot in Manchester last week.

Watch: Chris Woakes comes out to bat with broken arm during ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Woakes was incredibly strong on the fifth day as he ran a couple of singles with Gus Atkinson on the last ball of the overs. One could see the pain he was going through, but as Root mentioned, the all-rounder put everything aside to put his body on the line for the national side.

Arm in a sling, Chris Woakes has arrived to the crease 😱 pic.twitter.com/D4QDscnfXE

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 4, 2025

‘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 expressed on Woakes.

Atkinson’s dismissal was the end of the dramatic series as the tourists gained a small six-run win. It became India’s smallest victory by margin.

The share of focus, along with the fifth day of the five-match Test series between England and India at the Kennington Oval, will also be on Chris Woakes, and whether he gets to bat with a broken shoulder that he did on the opening day of the fixture, and didn’t take any further part in the game.

The former England captain, Nasser Hussain, looked back at the Headingley clash when Malcolm Marshall, the former West Indies captain, walked with the bat in the same circumstances. He also reckoned that there would be cameras on the veteran, whether he turns to the net sessions for a couple of hits.

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‘I don’t know if you remember Malcolm Marshall with a broken arm in Headingley, and our very own, Paul Allott, was bowling, and Malcolm Marshall was just swinging with one hand. We are going to have a camera on Chris Woakes to see if he is going to the nets to do some throwdowns this morning.’ Nasser Hussain expressed on day 5 of the fifth Test on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Nasser Hussain comments on Chris Woakes' potential batting in ENG vs IND 5th Test  

‘He probably would be in the dressing room. What you have to be careful of is the duties of caring as well. If he has got one arm in the sling and got bouncers to come, and once you have sent someone out there, India can do what they want to win the game.’ The Chennai-born added.

"England will hope it doesn't come down to Chris Woakes, India will hope it does" 🗣️

Nasser Hussain on the potential of Chris Woakes batting today 🏏 pic.twitter.com/QCBtRNSQjk

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 4, 2025

Joe Root, in the last press conference, claimed that the all-rounder would come to bat as he was ready to put his body on the line for the national side. If he does, it would be a critical situation with the Three Lions needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand.  

‘There is a bit of a duty of care to Chris Woakes. But if it’s five or 10 runs to win, as with Rishabh Pant when he was hobbling down the stairs in the previous Test, I think the exact will happen. England will hope it doesn’t come down to Chris Woakes, and India will hope it does,’ Hussain concluded.

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.

See Also: India’s bowling coach reveals game plan against England for Day 5 of ENG vs IND 5th Test

‘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.

Chris Woakes is not expected to bat in England's first innings after sustaining a shoulder injury on the first day of play in the ongoing fifth Test against India at The Oval. Woakes sustained the injury trying to perform a diving stop near the boundary during the final session on Thursday. He fell awkwardly on his left shoulder and was immediately seen clutching his shoulder in pain.

Woakes left the field with his arm in a sling and did not return for the remainder of the day's play. In a statement on Friday morning, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Woakes will be unable to take any further part in the Test, with a final diagnosis made after the end of the series. Although it will be assessed after the Test, the chances of him being able to bat, particularly in the first innings, are very slim.

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Chris Woakes unlikely to bat after shoulder injury as England face crucial Test against India

Although the ECB hasn't ruled out a batting role behind a heavy set of restrictions, that would only happen in a state of absolute, cataclysmic crisis for England. As it stands, it seems as if Woakes won’t be batting unless they actually send him out, under crazy amounts of nuance that a player like Rishabh Pant pulling off an unforgettable innings one leg at Old Trafford in 2022.

England's batting is already challenged, because they are 208 for 5, versus India's 224. At the time of writing, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith were not out, but losing Woakes diminishes an already thin batting lineup.

To make matters worse, England are without their full-time captain, Ben Stokes ruled out of the decider with a shoulder injury. Woakes had made a good start to rectifying the situation, capturing KL Rahul early for England, but now has left the hosts with just three frontline bowlers. Don't get me wrong, Woakes not being able to bat is a blow for England and one that they can ill afford with the series finely poised at 2-2.

England’s injury troubles deepened on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval, as experienced all-rounder Chris Woakes walked off the field nursing a suspected shoulder injury. The incident occurred late in the final session, when Woakes attempted to save a boundary at long-off and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder, visibly grimacing as he left the field with his arm tucked inside his sweater.

The 35-year-old had bowled 14 overs in the day, picking up the key wicket of KL Rahul and conceding 46 runs. His absence looms large over an already-depleted England side, which is without the services of captain Ben Stokes and several other first-choice players.

Atkinson steps up as England grapple with Woakes blow and mounting injury concerns

Gus Atkinson, who claimed two wickets from 19 overs on the rain-affected opening day, offered a cautious update on Woakes’ condition. “I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great,” he said. “It’s a big shame that the 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.”

The injury came while Woakes chased a drive from Karun Nair in the 57th over. Although he successfully stopped the boundary, saving one run for his side, he immediately clutched his shoulder in pain before walking off the field.

England’s pace stocks are now under immense pressure. With Woakes’ availability uncertain and four players, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Liam Dawson already rested, the remaining attack includes Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, and Jacob Bethell, who together boast just 18 Test caps. Atkinson, however, expressed confidence in stepping up in Woakes’ potential absence. “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,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the injury situation has reignited the debate around injury replacements in Test cricket. The issue came into focus earlier in the series when India were allowed to replace an injured Rishabh Pant with Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeeper. India head coach Gautam Gambhir supported the idea of injury substitutions, stating that "if someone’s visibly injured, there’s nothing wrong with making a change."

Woakes injury fuels injury replacement debate as England face selection dilemma in series decider

England captain Ben Stokes, however, strongly opposed the idea, arguing that such a policy could be easily misused. “You pick your 11 for a game; injuries are part of the game,” Stokes said. “I think the conversation should just honestly stop around injury replacements.”

As things stand, the rules only allow like-for-like substitutes in cases of concussion. That means even if Woakes is ruled out of the match, England cannot bring in a bowling substitute, a situation that could significantly hamper their chances in the deciding Test.

India, meanwhile, ended the rain-marred opening day on 204/6, with Karun Nair anchoring the innings with an unbeaten half-century. With overcast conditions expected to persist, both teams will be hoping their depleted line-ups can withstand the physical and tactical challenges ahead.