ENG vs IND 2025: England pacer Chris Woakes ruled out of remainder of fifth Test, citing shoulder injury
Chris Woakes was seen arriving at the Oval with the England team on Day 2 of the final Test.
England’s veteran pacer Chris Woakes has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval due to a shoulder injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news on the morning of Day 2.
Woakes sustained the injury late on Day 1 while attempting to save a boundary in the 57th over of India’s innings. Running from mid-off, the 36-year-old dived full-stretch to stop a drive from Karun Nair off Jamie Overton. While he successfully prevented the ball from reaching the fence, he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder. Woakes looked in immense pain and clutched his shoulder, and was seen leaving the field with assistance, using his sweater as a sling.
Despite returning with the team on the bus ahead of Day 2, Woakes, seen with a plaster on his hand, was ruled out of the rest of the match. The ECB stated that further medical assessments will be made post-match to check the extent of the injury.
Karun Nair stood tall alongside Washington Sundar: Aaron
It doesn't look great: Gus Atkinson
Woakes was the only England fast bowler to feature in all five Tests of the ongoing series, delivering the most overs for his side. Though he had only taken 11 wickets at an average of 52.18, his experience under English conditions will be crucial, especially at The Oval, a venue that suits bowlers.
Notably, during the same incident, after running three Indian batters, Karun Nair chose not to take a fourth run upon seeing Woakes in pain on the ground. He denied his partner Washington Sundar, for another run.
Woakes’ is the new addition to England’s growing list of absentees. Already missing skipper Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and spinner Liam Dawson due to either injuries or workload management, England’s bowling resources are limited thin. They now rely on Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and part-timers Joe Root and Jacob Bethell to carry the load for the rest of the Test.
"I don't know too much about it, but it doesn't look great. 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. 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," Atkinson said on Woakes' injury.
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