Chris Woakes, the 36-year-old England cricketer, faces a crucial decision regarding his shoulder injury sustained during the fifth Test defeat against India. Woakes was injured during the course of play. He is currently dispositioning the scan results and the extent of damage will be fully known. The result of this scan will determine if he chooses to undergo an operation or follow a course of rehabilitation.
Woakes’ injury happened when he made a suspected dislocated shoulder while batting at number 11. Despite being in considerable pain, he bravely stepped onto the field to support his team, needing 17 runs to secure a victory. With his left arm in a sling, he still almost scored four runs without hitting a single ball. His work came to nothing when Gus Atkinson was bowled. That sealed the comprehensive six-run victory for India, bringing the Series level at 2-2.
Woakes has a rehab alternative of roughly eight weeks. This timeline would give him a fighting chance of recovering in time for England’s next Ashes series on home soil against old rivals Australia. Even if he decides on surgery, he may be looking at a rehab period of three to four months. This timeframe is a huge danger of missing the much-awaited Ashes that kicks off from November 21 in Perth.
In his own words, Woakes shared how he kept focus and helped his team during the white-knuckle final hours of the Test match.
“When you get the opportunity, you do what’s best for your team. In that moment it was to go out there and try and find a way with Gus at the other end to try and get us over the line,” – Chris Woakes
The moves he’s made have led fans and analysts alike to fanatically Cannonize his approach. Others have praised how courageous he was for playing through the injury. Woakes said he couldn’t ask for more support. In return, he had no idea how much love and encouragement surrounded him and he was blown away by it.
“But yeah, I suppose it’s quite surprising how much people have sent the love, sent the support and said how brave it was. But as I said, in my eyes it was just business as usual,” – Chris Woakes
As he approaches this turns point in his career, Woakes faces a risk/reward choice regarding rehab. He understands that going this direction means potentially needing surgical intervention down the line, a situation he is aware of and frankly risky.
“I suppose naturally with that there will be a chance of a reoccurrence, but I suppose that could be a risk that you’re just willing to take sort of thing,” – Chris Woakes
As the Ashes series looms, there is no doubt that Woakes now carries the burden of his choice. He’s hell bent on coming back better than ever to represent his country.
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