After sustaining a possible shoulder dislocation during fielding, Chris Woakes is unlikely to bowl again in England’s fifth Test match against India at The Oval.
Near the conclusion of the day, Woakes was chasing a ball from mid-off towards the boundary when his left hand seemed to slide on the wet outfield while he was trying to steady himself. Uncomfortably, he landed on his left shoulder and remained there, gripping it. On his way to the dressing room, he used his jumper as a makeshift sling after receiving medical attention from England physiotherapist Ben Davies.
After receiving treatment in the dressing room on Thursday night, Woakes was scheduled to undergo a scan overnight, though an England representative declined to comment on the severity of his injuries.
Gus Atkinson remarked, “I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great,” following the play of the day. “It’s very unfortunate when somebody gets hurt in the final game of the series. I hope it’s not too horrible and that everyone will support him no matter what.”
Woakes took 1 for 46 in 14 overs on the opening day, and it appears that his injury will leave England without a bowler for the remainder of the game.
Along with Mohammed Siraj of India, he is one of just two seamers to have played in all five Test matches. He has bowled 181 overs and claimed 11 wickets at 52.18 in the series.
With just 18 Test caps between the three members of their fast-bowling attack—Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Atkinson—he is also England’s most seasoned seamer.
After bouncing back from a hamstring strain, Atkinson is playing his first Test of the series and stated that he was prepared to “push the limits” if necessary without Woakes. “Definitely, I feel fresh, I feel good,” he stated. “I know I’ve only got this one game to play so I can push the limits a bit.”