Chris Woakes Ruled Out of Remainder of 5th Test vs India at The Oval
The injury occurred late in play when Woakes dived at long off to prevent a boundary from Indian batter Karun Nair. Following the dive, he landed awkwardly and clutched his left shoulder, immediately requiring medical attention before being led off the field in a makeshift sling. Woakes had bowled 14 overs, conceding 46 runs and claiming the wicket of K.L. Rahul before the incident.
The ECB’s statement noted that Woakes "will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Rothesay Fifth Test at The Kia Oval… 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."
Having played every match in the series, Woakes was also the most used bowler for England—delivering 181 overs across the five tests and taking 11 wickets overall. With his absence, England will field a significantly thinned pace attack comprising Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton.
All eyes are on Gus Atkinson, playing in his home stadium, who impressed on Day 1 with figures of 2/31, including a vital run-out of India’s captain Shubman Gill, whose dismissal for 21 shifted momentum. Meanwhile, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton struggled for consistency—Tongue was erratic but managed two wickets, while Overton went wicketless for 66 runs.
England, already without captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes (also sidelined with a shoulder injury), now faces a stretched seam bowling unit at a critical point in the series. The hosts lead the five-match series 2–1 and aim to seal a rare series win over India in England since 2018.
India concluded the rain-affected Day 1 at 204/6, with Karun Nair unbeaten on 52 and Washington Sundar supporting with 19*. The pitch, green-tinged and offering swing, continued to test both teams, especially as weather conditions held up in favor of seamers.
With Woakes officially ruled out from August 1, 2025, England will have to rely heavily on the remaining bowlers to step up over the next four days. No replacements are permitted other than a concussion substitute, meaning England will effectively be playing one bowler short unless unconventional fielding cover is deployed.
Fans and commentators alike have expressed concern that the injury could mark the end of Woakes' Test career—a cruel exit for a long-serving member of the England side