Chris Woakes OUT of IND vs ENG Tests; hosts dented massively

England may have to continue the final Test against India without Chris Woakes after the fast bowler sustained a possible dislocated shoulder on the opening day (Thursday, July 31) at The Oval. Gus Atkinson said that he would be surprised if Woakes was able to play any further role in the fifth Test match.

Chris Woakes injured his left shoulder while fielding during the 57th over of India’s innings. Karun Nair drove the ball past mid-off, and Woakes sprinted toward the boundary, making a diving effort to stop it.

The pacer prevented a four but landed awkwardly on his shoulder and was visibly in pain. England physio Ben Davies came onto the field and used a jumper as a makeshift sling before escorting Woakes off. The injury has raised concerns over his availability for the remainder of the match.

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Gus Atkinson Confirms Chris Woakes Ruled Out of Fifth Test Due to Injury

After the end of Day 1, Gus Atkinson opened up about Chris Woakes' injury. Speaking to BBC Test Match Special, he said the situation didn’t look promising and mentioned that the team hadn’t yet had detailed discussions about it.

"It doesn't look great. We haven't really spoken about it yet. I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game," Atkinson said.

Gus Atkinson says he would be surprised if Chris Woakes plays any further part in the game after a nasty looking shoulder injury on day 1 at The Oval. #BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/Ld9OUbb9tX

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 31, 2025

Chris Woakes was the only England bowler to play all five Tests of the series. The right-arm pacer managed to dismiss KL Rahul for 14. However, his overall performance was underwhelming, finishing the day with figures of 1 for 46 from 14 overs.

Hopefully the Batters Can Nestle In and Give Us Time Off - Gus Atkinson

When asked about the added pressure on the bowling unit following Chris Woakes' injury, Gus Atkinson said he hoped the batters would settle in and spend time at the crease. He added that this would give the bowlers a chance to recover and come back stronger in the second innings.

"Hopefully the batters can nestle in and give us time off so we can get refreshed and be ready to fire in the second innings," Atkinson added.

Atkinson picked up two wickets from his 19 overs. He may have to lead the bowling attack if Woakes is ruled out for the rest of the match. The remaining bowlers in the lineup collectively have just 18 Test appearances between them.

It Has Been Frustrating, Very Stop and Start - Gus Atkinson

Gus Atkinson also spoke about his recent struggles with injury. The 27-year-old described the past few months as frustrating due to a hamstring issue that kept him out of action. Atkinson said he was pleased to be fit for the final match.

"It has been frustrating, very stop and start. I got back from the Champions Trophy and had a few weeks off, played a few county games and then the Test against Zimbabwe in which I unfortunately got injured. I haven't played much cricket so it was pleasing I was available to play in this last Test, I feel good now so it is great. I felt fresh. It is a shame to only play one Test but it feels good."

India ended Day 1 on 204 for 6 after 64 overs. Karun Nair scored an unbeaten 52 runs while Washington Sundar was on 19. For England, Atkinson and Josh Tongue claimed two wickets each.

Also read: Shubman Gill loses 5 tosses in a row, India left helpless in England