England bowler Chris Woakes ruled out of fifth Test against India with shoulder injury, 'further assessment' to come
Updated 01/08/2025 at 10:51 GMT+1
Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the rest of the fifth Test against India at The Oval, having sustained a shoulder injury while fielding on the first day of the match. The England bowler sustained the injury while fielding, having earlier taken the crucial wicket of KL Rahul. India finished a rain-hit day on 204/6, but England are now down to three specialist bowlers.
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Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the remainder of England's fifth Test against India after sustaining a shoulder injury on the opening day at The Oval.
The 36-year-old was hurt in the field after attempting to stop a boundary, and left the pitch with his arm in a makeshift sling.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed before the start of Friday's play that Woakes will play no further part in the match.
A statement read: "England seamer Chris Woakes will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Rothesay Fifth Test at The Kia Oval, following a left shoulder injury sustained on day one of the match against India.
"At this stage, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation in the Test.
"A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series."
England will now have just three specialist bowlers - Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton - to choose from for the remainder of the Test.
England are 2-1 up in the five-Test series and are aiming to prevent India from drawing the series with a victory at the Oval.
Woakes took the wicket of KL Rahul early on a productive first day for the hosts, who had reduced India to 204/6 by close of play.
Atkinson and Tongue took two wickets apiece, but the loss of Woakes will be a blow for England, who are also without captain Ben Stokes.
The Three Lions are looking to seal a series victory over India and need to avoid defeat to do so.
While the extent of Woakes' injury was not initially clear, Atkinson admitted after day one that there was some concern.
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"It doesn't look great. We haven't really spoken about it yet. I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game," Atkinson said.
"Hopefully the batters can nestle in and give us time off so we can get refreshed and be ready to fire in the second innings."
England will hope to limit India's total on day two after a rain-hit opening day.
And, in Woakes' absence, there will be hope of another strong performance from Atkinson.
"It was a good day. There was pressure on the bowling side with the conditions that were overhead," he added.
"We didn't want to get too far ahead of ourselves. 200-6, we are happy with that. An early wicket tomorrow and we will be in a good position.
"It has been two or so months since I last played for England. I was happy with how I bowled. I know the conditions and the pitch. I am very happy with how it went."
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