England all-rounder Chris Woakes had landed awkwardly on his shoulder while trying to stop a boundary during the first day of Oval Test against India. It looked like the 36-year-old had seriously injured his shoulder and that is why was soon taken off the field by the medical staff for proper treatment.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has now released a statement confirming that the injury is set to keep him out of action for the entirety of the fifth Test.
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"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," the ECB statement read.
England will now be playing with three pacers
Woakes' absence will see England operating with three quicks for the rest of the fifth Test. The likes of Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton will be seen England's seam attack for the remainder of the match. Woakes' absence will be a big blow for the Three Lions as they have lost a key all-rounder from the XI who had played in all the first four Tests of the series.
Earlier, Woakes' teammate Atkinson had stated that the former's injury didn't look great and had hoped that his injury wouldn't be too serious.
“I don’t know too much, but it doesn’t look great. It’s the last game of the series, and it’s always a big shame when anyone gets injured. I’m hoping it’s not too serious, and whatever it is, he’ll have everyone’s full support,” Atkinson said at the post-day press-conference.
Meanwhile, India wrapped up Day 1 of the fifth Test on 204/6 with Karun Nair unbeaten on 52 and Washington Sundar batting on 19. England's pace bowling proved to be quite good on the day and they managed to make the most out of the seam-friendly pitch at The Oval. It remains to be seen if they will be able to continue their domination with the ball on Day 2 or if the Indian batters will manage to forge a comeback.