England fast-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India due to a shoulder injury he endured during the first innings at the Oval in London.
The England cricket board has announced this development on Friday ahead of Day 2. In a post on X, England Cricket wrote, “Chris Woakes set to play no further part in the fifth Test. A further assessment will take place at the end of the series.”
Woakes, who has been integral in England’s bowling attack, landed awkwardly on his shoulder while chasing after the ball at the boundary line in the 57th over. The 36-year-old had to be taken off the field with his left shoulder wrapped in his sweater.
Woakes’ teammate Gus Atkinson provided an update, which England would be dreading as he said: “It doesn’t look great. I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game. It’s a big shame when anyone gets injured. I’m hoping it’s not too bad but whatever it is he’ll get the full support from everyone,” said Atkinson after the day’s play.”
England have made four changes to their playing XI with captain Ben Stokes out injured. Besides their talismanic captain, the hosts have also rested Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Liam Dawson. In their place, England have named Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson into the playing XI with Pope handed captaincy.
Woakes’ injury has also reignited the conversation around the injury replacements, as this has been a major talking point during this season after Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant also had to miss out due to a toe injury he picked up during the fourth Test.
Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik is in favour of an injury replacement and said,” For the second time in this series, on day one of a Test match, an injury has happened where you get the feeling that the player couldn’t participate in the Test match anymore,” Karthik said to Sky Sports.
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“It begs the question that if it is a proper injury, like what we have noticed on the field with Woakes, maybe the team could ask for a replacement if the match referee feels it’s okay,” he added.
