Woakes Faces Shoulder Injury Concern Ahead of Ashes

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is awaiting medical assessments to determine Chris Woakes’ availability for the Ashes series, after he sustained a shoulder injury during the fifth Test against India at The Oval.

The extent of Woakes’ shoulder injury is expected to be clarified this week following his determined performance in the fifth Test.

The 36-year-old all-rounder is slated for scans and further evaluations, with the ECB yet to release details on the seriousness of the injury or a possible return timeline.

Woakes is suspected to have dislocated his left shoulder on the first day of the Test when landing awkwardly while trying to prevent a boundary.

Despite being initially ruled out for the remainder of the match, he surprised fans and teammates by batting with his arm in a sling when England was nearing their last wicket.

England narrowly missed a 374-run target by six runs. Woakes supported Gus Atkinson during a crucial 16-minute period.

“We are hopeful the injury isn’t too severe, and we will evaluate it further,” Brendon McCullum commented.

“Woakesy approached me during the first innings, offering to bat despite his significant pain. That level of dedication is what you want to see,” McCullum added.

Woakes participated in all five Tests in the series, bowling 140 overs and claiming 17 wickets at an average of 25.24. His injury raises concerns about his participation in the Ashes tour of Australia, which begins in November, and has ruled him out of The Hundred.

This setback follows Ben Stokes’ exclusion from the final Test due to a shoulder issue, although McCullum remains optimistic about Stokes’ recovery before the Ashes.

The five-match Ashes series between Australia and England is scheduled to commence on November 21 in Perth. The subsequent Tests will be held in Brisbane from December 4, Adelaide from December 17, Melbourne from December 26, and Sydney from January 4, 2026.