Fri Aug 01 09:42:29 UTC 2025: ## Woakes Shoulder Injury Knocks Him Out of Deciding Test
**London, England** – England’s hopes of securing a series victory against India in the fifth Test have suffered a blow, as paceman Chris Woakes has been ruled out for the remainder of the match due to a shoulder injury.
Woakes sustained the injury on the first day of play at the Oval while attempting to prevent a boundary, landing awkwardly and leaving the field in visible pain. Team management confirmed that he will not be able to bowl or bat for the rest of the Test, though he will be monitored.
“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,” an England spokesman said. “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 injury adds to England’s woes, with captain Ben Stokes already sidelined with a shoulder injury, and other key pacemen like Mark Wood and Jofra Archer unavailable. Woakes was the only English bowler to have featured in all five Tests in the series.
While Woakes did manage to take the wicket of KL Rahul before his injury, his overall performance in the series had been middling. At 36, the injury also casts a shadow over his future international career, particularly with the upcoming Ashes tour in Australia.
The news leaves England’s already depleted pace attack a man down as they look to defend India’s first innings total of 204-6. India need to win the match to draw the series.
First Piper 