Is Chris Woakes Out for the Remainder of the 5th Test Due to Shoulder Injury?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chris Woakes is out for the fifth Test due to a shoulder injury.
- The injury occurred while fielding during India's first innings.
- England's bowling attack will lack experience without Woakes.
- Woakes has been instrumental in the series, with 11 wickets so far.
- Further assessments of his injury will take place after the series concludes.
London, Aug 1 (NationPress) England's seasoned pacer Chris Woakes has been sidelined for the rest of the ongoing fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India after sustaining a shoulder injury on the first day, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday.
In their official statement, the ECB mentioned, "England seamer Chris Woakes will be under observation for the remainder of the Fifth Test at The Kia Oval, following a left shoulder injury incurred on day one of the match against India."
They further noted, "Currently, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation in the Test. A detailed assessment will take place at the end of the series."
During the 57th over of India's first innings on Day 1, Woakes left the field after landing awkwardly on his left shoulder while attempting to stop a boundary hit by Karun Nair. He received medical attention on the field before using his sweater as a makeshift sling as he headed to the dressing room.
Woakes had bowled 14 overs on Day 1, achieving figures of 1 for 46. His injury adds to England's increasing list of worries, as the team is already without several key players for this crucial final Test, including captain Ben Stokes, who is absent due to a right shoulder injury.
Woakes' unavailability will leave England's bowling attack lacking experience, with the remaining bowlers holding a total of just 18 Test caps for the national side.
The 35-year-old has been a vital player for England throughout this series, being one of only two seamers—alongside India’s Mohammed Siraj—to participate in all five matches. Over the course of the series, he has bowled 181 overs and taken 11 wickets at an average of 52.18.