Chris Woakes, the England pace bowler, is likely to miss the remainder of the important fifth Test against India. He experienced a shoulder injury on the first day at The Oval. The 36-year-old cricketer has never shied away from being a spearhead of England’s bowling department. He incurred the injury whilst attempting to prevent a boundary late in the day’s play. After a bad landing though, there were fears for the impact on his international career.
Woakes had recently bowled India opener KL Rahul out, the batsman playing on to his own stumps, when the injury struck. This is a particularly crushing blow for England. Their pace attack is clearly on the edge, and the depth in quality as well as fitness has been tested severely. Woakes has been at the fore of the five-match Test series. He’s managed 10 wickets on those flat tracks in the last four Tests.
And after India closed their first innings on Thursday with 204-6, it was up to Woakes to remain there. He has each likely received treatment, then assessment from the England medical staff. He was due to have a scan overnight, with an update on his condition expected from England on Friday.
“It doesn’t look great. I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game,” – Gus Atkinson
With Woakes potentially ruled out, England’s pace attack will rely heavily on seamers Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton. The lack of Woakes adds even more pressure on a bowling unit that has been stretched throughout the series.
Atkinson, a first-time commissioner eager to make his mark, said he was prepared for the opportunity in front of him.
“I know I’ve only got this one game to play so I can push the limits a bit,” – Gus Atkinson
He acknowledged the complexities of bowling at The Oval, stating, “You look at the pitch and overheads and think it should be easy for the bowlers, but I think it’s a ground where if you don’t bowl well you can go for runs quite easily.” The onus is now on England’s other three senior bowlers to stay consistent and ruthless.
Woakes’ injury is a big blow to the ongoing match but poses troubling questions for his long-term future in international cricket. The Ashes tour is coming up this winter. Any line of failure for Woakes, he is fighting just to make the squad at this point anyway. His experience and knowhow have been a boon to England. The team is already dealing with a big concern with his possible absence.
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