Chris Woakes remains committed to helping England secure a series win against India, even as he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained during the fifth Test. The injury occurred on the first day of the Test when Woakes stretched to prevent a boundary. Sadly, this required him to miss the entire second half.
There was no confirmation of that at this stage, although Woakes was spotted in the England changing room late on Sunday. He sported his whities, with his left arm in a sling. While he is now officially out of any further involvement in the Test, his commitment was remarkable. He was a constant player in these throw-downs, showing that he was willing to put his work where his money was needed.
England are looking forward to the last day of the Test. They require only 35 runs more for a 3-1 series win, but with only four wickets in hand. Captain Joe Root emphasized Woakes’ determination to assist the team, stating, “I assume so. He is desperate to do what it takes. There are a lot of things that have to happen before that.”
England are batting the final Test on a high-scoring pitch, chasing 374 runs to win, and in a very strong position at 301-3. This laudable standing follows after a grand fourth-wicket collaboration of 195 runs between Root and Harry Brook. Root noted that Woakes might be called upon to bat if circumstances demand it, reflecting the team’s need for every available player.
Root praised Woakes’ character and commitment, saying, “It shows the character and the person that he is, that he’s prepared to put his body on the line like that for England, and hopefully he doesn’t have to, but if it does, to get us across the line and win us an incredible series.” And finally, he confirmed, “He’s all in, like the rest of us.”
This speaks to Woakes’ commitment to the cause, that he’d do this all for his team even with the restrictions of his injury, though. As the contest moves into its dying throes, England’s dependence on its players’ fortitude only rises in significance.
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