[WATCH] Chris Woakes Spotted With Shoulder Sling Ahead Of Day 5 Of Final Test

Veteran England pacer Chris Woakes may still make an appearance with the bat on Day 5 of the fifth Test against India, despite suffering a serious shoulder injury. A video shared by England Cricket on social media showed the 36-year-old wearing the team jersey and a shoulder sling.

Woakes had been ruled out of the Oval Test after sustaining a suspected shoulder dislocation while fielding on Day 1. Before the injury, he had bowled 14 overs, conceding 46 runs and taking one wicket. He did not bat in England’s first innings or bowl in the second.

The England team management indicated that he would undergo further medical evaluation after the series. However, in a surprising turn, Woakes was seen in team gear during the final moments of Day 4, hinting at a possible return with the bat. You can watch the video here:

Look who's in his whites in the dressing room 👀 pic.twitter.com/YQPaVhDYhv

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 3, 2025

England Hoping For Chris Woakes To Bat On Final Day Of Series Despite Injury

The hosts will be hoping that right-arm seamer Chris Woakes can come out to bat on Day 5, as they ended Day 4 at 339/6 but are effectively seven down. This is because one player is unlikely to bat due to injury. As a result, if they lose three more wickets before reaching the 374-run target, they will be bowled out.

The match remains finely balanced going into the final day. England need just 35 more runs to seal a 3-1 series win. Earlier, they appeared to be in control, requiring only 57 more runs at Tea, thanks to a commanding 195-run stand between Harry Brook and Joe Root that had India on the back foot.

However, India bounced back after the break, with Prasidh Krishna removing Jacob Bethell (5) and Joe Root (105), putting England under pressure. Play was eventually halted early due to rain.

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