Has Chris Woakes played his last match for England in the Test format? The question remains unanswered following his latest injury. Woakes injured his shoulder while trying to stop the ball from crossing the boundary line on Day 1 of the India vs England 5th Test at the Oval on Thursday. The England Cricket Board (ECB) is yet to provide an update on his injury, but fans have already predicted the end of his Test career.
Fans predict Chris Woakes Retirement
Will Chris Woakes return to bowl on Day 2?
England pacer Gus Atkinson provided a fitness update on Woakes during a press conference at the end of Day 1. He said, "I don't know too much about it, but it doesn't look great. It's a big shame, last game of the series, and when anyone gets injured, it's a shame. I'm hoping it's not too bad, and whatever it is, he'll get full support from everyone."
The injury occurred at a time when the home team was without some of its key players. Skaipper Ben Stokes was ruled due to injury, while Archer was rested for the match. Woakes' absence would leave England with an attack short of experience, with the rest of the attack having a combined 18 Test caps for England.
Will Chris Woakes make a return after injuury?
Woakes had been the only England fast bowler to feature in all five matches of the series. While his returns on generally flat surfaces in the first four Tests were modest (10 wickets), he did make a breakthrough on Day 1 at The Oval, bowling KL Rahul with a delivery that jagged back. This latest setback, if severe, could hamper his chances of making England’s Ashes squad later this year.
