England could be one pacer short for the remainder of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval after senior seamer Chris Woakes walked off the field with a suspected shoulder injury. The 36-year-old tumbled awkwardly while trying to save a boundary late on Day 1 and was seen in visible discomfort with his arm in a makeshift sling.
Atkinson: “It doesn’t look great”
Gus Atkinson, who shared the new ball with Woakes, admitted after stumps that the signs were not encouraging. “I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game,” he told the BBC. “It’s the last game of the series, and when anyone gets injured, it’s a shame. Whatever it is, he’ll get full support from everyone.” Woakes had bowled 14 overs on the opening day, picking up the key wicket of KL Rahul before his injury.
Official Update Awaited
The Warwickshire all-rounder is understood to have undergone a scan on Thursday night. While the England camp is yet to release a formal update, early indications point to a shoulder dislocation or muscle damage.
Woakes remained at the ground after India finished Day 1 at 204/6, undergoing assessments from the medical staff. His potential unavailability adds to England’s fast-bowling headaches.
Pace Attack Stretched Thin
England are already without captain Ben Stokes—also nursing a shoulder injury—alongside Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, who were rested. The pace duties for the remainder of the match may fall heavily on Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton.
Woakes is the only England pacer to have played all five Tests in the series. Though his returns were modest (10 wickets in four matches), his consistency and experience have been vital for England’s plans.
Impact on Woakes’ Future?
With England’s pace stocks thinning and Woakes turning 37 later this year, the timing of the injury could have implications for his future in international cricket, particularly for selection in the upcoming Ashes tour.
If confirmed as serious, the injury may end his home summer and potentially limit his Test opportunities going forward, especially given his modest overseas record.
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