Injury blow for ENG! Woakes to miss remainder of fifth Test at The Oval

The incident occurred late on Day 1 when Chris Woakes sprinted from mid-off to cut off a Karun Nair drive heading towards the boundary

England have suffered a major setback in the final Test against India at The Oval, after all-rounder Chris Woakes being ruled out of the remainder of the match due to shoulder injury.

 

After enjoying a strong start with the ball on Day 1 of the final Test of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, reducing the visitors to 204 for 6 by stumps, England will now have to play the rest of the match effectively with only ten players. 

 

ECB on Friday morning released the statement that Woakes has been ruled out of the fifth Test and will not take part with either bat or ball. However the true nature and severity of the injury has not been disclosed, as ECB added that the final injury report will be presented after the conclusion of the series. 

 

How Woakes got injured

The incident occurred late on Day 1 when Woakes sprinted from mid-off to stop a boundary-bound drive from Karun Nair. On the damp Oval outfield, Woakes slipped and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder. He was seen grimacing in pain and clutching his arm, and received immediate medical attention on the field. Later, he was seen with his arm inside his sweater, using it as an improvised sling, before leaving the ground and not returning for the rest of the day.

Gus Atkinson reacts to Woakes’s injury

Gus Atkinson, who returned to the side for this Test after a long gap, expressed concern for Woakes a day before the all-rounder was officially ruled out of the match.

 

“I don't know too much about it, but it doesn't look great. It's the last game of the series, and it's a shame when anyone gets injured. We're all hoping it's not too serious, and whatever it is, he'll have everyone's full support,” Atkinson said.

 

He added that, as one of the fresher bowlers in the side, he is ready to shoulder additional responsibility if required, but acknowledged the magnitude of Woakes’s absence for the team.