Chris Woakes Faces Injury Setback in Fifth Test Against India

In a tense opening day of the fifth Test against India, England's Chris Woakes suffered a shoulder injury that has raised concerns about his fitness ahead of the Ashes series. Gus Atkinson, who is stepping in for Woakes, expressed hope for his teammate's recovery while reflecting on his own readiness to contribute. The match saw India struggle with their batting, but a late partnership helped them cross the 200-run mark. Read on for more details on Woakes' injury and the match's progress.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 03:23 IST

Injury Concerns for England's Chris Woakes

London [UK], August 1: After a competitive opening day in the fifth Test at The Oval against India, England fast bowler Gus Atkinson expressed concerns over veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes' injury, stating it "does not look great."

Woakes, who has been a key player in England's pace attack with 62 Tests and 192 wickets to his name, sustained a shoulder injury while fielding towards the end of the day.

During a crucial moment, Woakes chased a ball from mid-off but slipped on the wet outfield, landing awkwardly on his left shoulder. He was seen on the ground in pain and required immediate medical assistance before leaving the field with his sweater used as a makeshift sling.

Atkinson commented on Woakes' situation during the post-match press conference, saying, "I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great. It’s unfortunate, especially in the last game of the series. I hope it’s not serious, and he’ll receive full support from the team."

Throughout the series, Woakes has struggled both with the bat and ball, accumulating just 64 runs in six innings at an average exceeding 10, with a top score of 38. He has also taken 11 wickets at an average of 52.18, with best figures of 3/84. At 36 years old, his performance raises concerns ahead of the upcoming Ashes series against Australia starting in November.

Atkinson, who is making his first Test appearance of the series after recovering from a hamstring injury, stated he is prepared to step up if Woakes is unable to continue. "I feel fresh and ready to push the limits since I only have this one game to play," said the 27-year-old, who has taken 57 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 22.07, including three five-wicket hauls.

Prior to this Test, Atkinson last played against Zimbabwe in May, where he took three wickets. England won the toss and opted to field first, but India struggled to form significant partnerships. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (2) and KL Rahul (14) fell early, and captain Shubman Gill was run out for 21, followed by Sudharan's dismissal for 38. Ravindra Jadeja (9) and Dhruv Jurel (19) also succumbed to pressure.

However, Nair (52*) and Sundar (19*) managed to stabilize the innings with a crucial 51-run partnership for the seventh wicket, helping India surpass the 200-run mark. Gus Atkinson (2/31) and Josh Tongue (2/47) were the standout bowlers for England.