Watch Chris Woakes come out to bat with fractured shoulder in 5th Test against India at The Oval; Netizens recall Anil Kumble moment

In a dramatic scenario, English fast bowler Chris Woakes came out to bat with fractured hand tied in a sling in the fifth test against India in Oval. Netizens recalled the heroics of Indian Spinner Anil Kumble. Chris Woakes, who injured his shoulder while fielding on the opening day of the ongoing Test match, may still play a role with the bat as England and India head into the final day of the series. Although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has stated that Woakes will take no further part in the match, he was seen practicing one-handed batting in the indoor nets on Sunday and later changed into his whites, preparing to bat at number 11 if required.

England require 35 runs to win, while India need three or four wickets to draw the series, depending on whether Woakes is fit to bat.

Woakes remains ready despite injury and uncertainty


Speaking at the post-day press conference, Joe Root said, “He’s all-in, like the rest of us. It has been that kind of series, where guys have had to put bodies on the line. Hopefully, it does not get to that. But he had some throwdowns in here [the indoor school] at one point, and he is ready if needed... He is desperate to do what it takes.”



Root added that Woakes is dealing with considerable pain. “Clearly, he is in a huge amount of pain having done what he has done. It just shows, as we have seen from other guys in this series – Rishabh Pant batting with a broken foot, guys taking all sorts of blows here and there – but it means a huge amount to him.”

Also Read: India beat odds in 5th Test, level series against England in nail-biting finish at Oval


Uncertainty over Woakes' availability for rest of summer

England have not disclosed full details of Woakes' injury, and further scans may be conducted after the match. He is not expected to feature for the remainder of the Test summer and remains doubtful for the Ashes opener in Perth on November 21. His participation in the rest of that series is also uncertain, considering his injury and track record in Australian conditions.

Commenting on Woakes' determination, Root said, “It just shows the character and the person that he is willing to put his body on the line like that for England, and hopefully – well, hopefully he does not have to, but if it does come to that – get us across the line and win us an incredible series.”

Also Read: From 3 to 367 all out: How India turned the match against England in just an hour