England have been dealt a major blow during the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval as key all-rounder Chris Woakes suffered a shoulder injury on Day 1.
The England camp has now shared a worrying update, admitting that “it doesn’t look great” — casting serious doubt over Woakes’ availability for the rest of the match.
The incident occurred during the 25th over of India’s innings. Woakes, diving to stop a boundary at mid-on, landed awkwardly on his right shoulder. Although he tried to continue, he was visibly in discomfort and soon left the field.
According to team management, he did not return for the rest of the day and is now unlikely to bowl again in the match.
After medical assessment, England provided a brief update through their spokesperson:
“Chris Woakes will not take the field again on Day 1 due to a sore right shoulder sustained while fielding. We’ll assess him further overnight.”
However, according to reports by media sources inside the England camp later admitted:
“It doesn’t look great… It’s unlikely he will bowl again in this Test.”
This is a significant setback for England, as Woakes has been one of their best performers this summer — both with the ball and in lower-order batting.
Chris Woakes – England vs India 2025 Test Series (Test‑Wise Stats)
| Test | Venue | Batting (Innings: Runs) | Bowling (inning’s wise Wickets / Figures) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Leeds (Headingley) | 38 & DNB | 0/103 & 1/45 |
| 2nd | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | 5 & 7 | 2/81 & 0/61 |
| 3rd | Lord’s | 0 & 10 | 3/84 & 1/21 |
| 4th | Old Trafford | 4 | 1/66 & 2/67 |
| 5th | The Oval | DNB due to injury early in innings | 14 overs: 1/46 before injury; economy ~3.30 |
Woakes has been crucial in keeping England in the series. His control, swing, and experience have brought balance to the attack, especially without Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Mark Wood of the Test.
Now, with Woakes injured and Ben Stokes managing his chronic knee issues, England’s bowling depth looks severely compromised.
Should Cricket Allow Injury Substitutes?
This injury has also triggered debate across cricketing circles — especially on broadcaster about whether like-for-like injury substitutions should be allowed in Test cricket, not just for concussions.
Rishabh Pant, India’s wicketkeeper-batter, retired hurt on the first day of the drawn fourth Test in Manchester but came back on the second day to continue his innings, despite scans confirming a fracture on his right foot.
Former cricketers and pundits have called on the ICC to reconsider the rules, especially as injuries like Woakes’ can change the course of a match unfairly. Currently, only concussion substitutes are allowed in Tests under ICC regulations.
