Chris Woakes ends speculation with official Ashes availability update

Star England National Cricket Team pace-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes has issued an official update on his availability for the Ashes 2025-26.

Chris Woakes revealed that he is considering taking the rehabilitation route rather than going under the knife to make himself available for the high-profile series against Australia.

'Warrior' Chris Woakes came out to bat with a dislocated shoulder vs India

Chris Woakes suffered an injury to his left shoulder on Day 1 of the fifth Test match against India at the Kennington Oval in London.

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The all-rounder sustained the injury while fielding in the 57th over of India's first innings as he chased a ball from mid-off towards the boundary near the and put in a dive to pull the ball back just inside the ropes.

However, during the process, his left hand appeared to slip on the damp outfield, and he landed awkwardly and looked in significant pain.

Phyiso Ben Davies rushed onto the field to provide help to Chris Woakes and instantly took him back to the dressing room. Later, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated that the veteran all-rounder has suffered a shoulder dislocation and will miss the remainder of the game against India.

However, there was a twist in the tale as Woakes walked to bat as a No.11 player with his arm in a sling. He didn't face any balls, but ran between the wickets to provide assistance to Gus Atkinson before England got bowled out for 367, facing a 6-run loss.

I think the options will be to have surgery or to go down a rehab route - Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes underwent scans and is waiting to receive the results before starting his recovery program. Speaking to BBC Sport, Woakes provided an official update on his injury and his Ashes participation. He said:

"I'm waiting to see what the extent of the damage is but I think the options will be to have surgery or to go down a rehab route and try and get it as strong as possible.

"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.

"What I've heard from physios and specialists is that the rehab of a surgery option would be closer to four months, or three to four months. That's obviously touching on the Ashes, so it makes it tricky.

"From a rehab point of view you can probably get it get it strong again within eight weeks. So that could be an option, but again I'm obviously still waiting to get the full report on it."

When you have an injury like that, you think your game is done - Chris Woakes

Speaking to Sky Sports, Woakes talked about his courageous effort to walk out to bat one-handed on Day 5 of the Oval Test. He elaborated:

"When you have an injury like that, you think your game is done. And then, the closer it goes, it's always never a matter of whether I was going to be out there or not. And it was just a matter of how I was going to approach it."

"Emotions were running high. I was hoping that we could get over the line with Gus at the other end and I wouldn't have to face a ball, but not to be, unfortunately," he added.

Also Read: Michael Clarke reveals Gautam Gambhir’s blunder that cost India the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy win