Chris Woakes Faces Tough Decision on Shoulder Injury Ahead of Ashes 2025
Chris Woakes' Injury Dilemma
England's bowling all-rounder, Chris Woakes, is currently grappling with a significant decision regarding his injured shoulder. He must choose between rehabilitation and surgery to ensure he is fit for the upcoming Ashes 2025 series against Australia, which kicks off on November 21.
Woakes sustained a serious injury to his left shoulder while trying to prevent a boundary during the fifth Test against India at the Oval. The 36-year-old was seen in considerable pain and had to leave the field with a sweater used as a makeshift sling, assisted by a physiotherapist.
Courageous Efforts Despite Injury
Despite not bowling in the second innings, Woakes showed remarkable bravery by stepping up to bat with his arm in a sling when England was at 357/9, needing just 17 runs to clinch victory. Although he couldn't contribute with the bat, his presence was felt as England narrowly lost by six runs, resulting in a thrilling 2-2 series draw.
Rehabilitation or Surgery: Woakes' Choice
With the Ashes series just three months away, Woakes is racing against time to recover from his shoulder injury. His performance during the Oval Test raised concerns about the seriousness of his condition, potentially jeopardizing his participation in the Ashes.
In an interview with BBC Sports, Woakes mentioned he is awaiting scan results to assess the extent of his injury. He expressed a willingness to consider rehabilitation over surgery, hoping to recover in time.
"I'm waiting to see what the extent of the damage is, but I think the options will be to have surgery or to go down a rehab route and try and get it as strong as possible," Woakes stated.
The Risks of Rehabilitation
Woakes acknowledged the risks associated with choosing rehabilitation, stating, "I suppose, naturally, with that, there will be a chance of a reoccurrence, but I suppose that could be a risk that you’re just willing to take sort of thing."
He played all five Tests against India, leading the pace attack. Before his injury, Woakes took a wicket of KL Rahul and bowled 14 overs, conceding 46 runs at an economy rate of 3.30.
Why Rehabilitation Might Be Preferred
Discussing his injury further, Woakes revealed that physiotherapists and specialists indicated that rehabilitation could lead to a quicker recovery compared to surgery. He noted, "From what I’ve heard from physios and specialists is that the rehab of a surgery option would be closer to four months or three to four months. That’s obviously touching on the Ashes and Australia, so it makes it tricky."
He added, "From a rehab point of view, you can probably get it strong again within eight weeks. So that could be an option, but again, obviously still waiting to get the full report on it."
Woakes has a commendable Ashes record, having taken 44 wickets at an average of 34.76 in 15 matches since his debut in 2013. He is expected to play a vital role for England as they aim to end a decade-long wait for an Ashes victory.