As England closed Day 4 of the fifth and final Test against India at 339/6, needing just 35 more runs to clinch the match and the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, fans were left wondering if Chris Woakes, who suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the game, would bat if required.
Woakes, one of England’s most experienced all-rounders, injured his left shoulder while fielding on Day 1. He was seen wearing a sling, sparking concerns of a possible shoulder dislocation. Since then, he has not bowled or taken the field, and his participation as a batter remains uncertain.
England's team management released a statement saying that a "further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series", offering no immediate update on his availability for Day 5.
According to current ICC rules, injury substitutes are only allowed for concussions, meaning England cannot replace Woakes with another player in the batting order. If more wickets fall early on Day 5, England will be left to rely on the remaining lower-order batters with Woakes potentially available only in a worst-case scenario.
Despite his injury, Woakes remains listed in the batting lineup. However, his appearance at the crease would likely be a last resort, as batting with a dislocated shoulder could worsen the damage and impact his long-term fitness, especially with important tours ahead.
At 339/6, England still look well-placed to seal the win. But if India manage a quick double-strike early on the final morning, the question of whether Woakes can or will bat may suddenly become very important.
As things stand, Chris Woakes is unlikely to bat unless absolutely necessary, and even then, his physical condition may not allow him to contribute much. England will be hoping they don’t need him at all.
'Let Me See A Reverse Sweep': Yashasvi Jaiswal's Cheeky Jibe At Ben Duckett Goes Viral During IND Vs ENG 5th Test; Video
Tensions and banter ran high on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval, as young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal made headlines, not with the bat this time, but with his words. The fiery left-hander, fielding close in, took a playful dig at England batter Ben Duckett during a tense phase of England’s fourth-innings chase.
As Duckett was assessing the pitch, Jaiswal, in a cheeky attempt to rattle the batter, was heard shouting, “Let me see a reverse sweep here. Come on lads!” The line, delivered with a smirk, was a jab at Duckett’s well-known love for the reverse sweep.
This moment added another layer of theatre to a gripping Test match and showcased how modern cricket blends intense competition with spirited interaction. Whether it got under Duckett’s skin or not, Jaiswal’s quip will likely be remembered as one of the standout snippets from a memorable series finale at The Oval.
