England pacer Chris Woakes is set to miss the rest of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval after suffering a shoulder injury on the opening day of play.
The 36-year-old injured himself while attempting a diving stop near the boundary late on Thursday, landing awkwardly and leaving the field with his arm in a makeshift sling. He is expected to undergo a scan overnight, with England’s medical team assessing the extent of the damage.
“It doesn’t look great,” teammate Gus Atkinson told BBC Sport. “I’ll be surprised if he takes any part in the game.”
Woakes, the only England seamer to feature in all five Tests of the grueling series, had just taken the wicket of India opener KL Rahul before sustaining the injury.
His absence adds to an already depleted England bowling lineup, with skipper Ben Stokes (shoulder), Mark Wood, and Olly Stone all sidelined, while Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer were rested.
England’s pace attack now relies on a makeshift unit including Atkinson—returning from a hamstring injury—Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton, playing only his second Test.
Woakes’ injury also casts doubt over his international future, particularly ahead of the Ashes tour, given his age and limited success away from home.
India closed Day 1 on 204-6, thanks to an unbeaten 52 from Karun Nair. Atkinson, who impressed with 2-31, said England hopes to restrict India to under 240 when play resumes.
