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England is sweating over Chris Woakes’ fitness after the all-rounder walked off injured late on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval.
Woakes appeared to suffer a suspected shoulder injury while attempting to save a boundary at long-off, diving to stop a shot from Karun Nair. He landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and was visibly in pain as he left the field, his arm wrapped inside his sweater.
Teammate Gus Atkinson provided an update at the end of the rain-hit day, after India reached 204/6 at stumps.
“I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great,” Atkinson said. “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.”
Before the injury, Woakes had already made a key contribution, bowling 14 overs and picking up the crucial wicket of KL Rahul while conceding 46 runs.
His potential absence compounds England’s worries ahead of the decider. The host is already without several first-choice players, including skipper Ben Stokes, and losing Woakes would leave its bowling attack with just 18 Test caps combined.
