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The gripping England vs India fifth Test at The Oval heads into a dramatic final day, with England just 35 runs away from a series-clinching victory and India needing four wickets to pull off a stunning comeback. A major talking point is whether injured all-rounder Chris Woakes, who dislocated his left shoulder while fielding on Day 1, will bat if required on Monday.
Chris Woakes displays grit despite serious injury
Despite initially being ruled out for the remainder of the match due to the injury, Woakes remains part of the playing XI and is technically eligible to bat. England head coach and medical staff have closely monitored his condition. Woakes was seen wearing an arm sling throughout Day 4 but took throwdowns at the indoor nets and had changed into his whites in anticipation of being needed as the final batter.
Joe Root throws light on Woakes’ commitment
England’s Joe Root, who scored a crucial 105 to put England within sight of victory, addressed the question at the Day 4 press conference. Root confirmed that Woakes is ready to “put his body on the line for England,” drawing a parallel to India’s Rishabh Pant, who batted with a broken foot earlier in the series. Root stated, “Chris Woakes is in a huge amount of pain. We’ve seen this series, Rishabh Pant batting with a broken foot. Woakes is ready to put his body on the line for England. Hopefully he doesn’t have to, but if it does, hopefully he gets us across the line and wins us an incredible series.”
Root emphasized the “character” and team-first attitude shown throughout this hard-fought series, adding, “He’s all-in, like the rest of us,” and noted that Woakes had practiced batting one-handed in the indoor nets, making himself “ready if needed.”
As things stand, should the match come down to the final wicket, England will send Woakes out to bat at No.11, regardless of his pain, to try and achieve the decisive runs, with Root affirming, “He’s desperate to do what it takes.”
