England’s hopes in the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval have taken a significant blow, with senior pacer Chris Woakes ruled out of the remainder of the match due to a shoulder injury. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the development on Friday, a day after the incident unfolded on the field.

Woakes sustained the injury during a spirited fielding effort in the 57th over of India’s first innings. As Karun Nair drove a delivery towards mid-off, Woakes chased the ball with full commitment and dived in an attempt to save a boundary.

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However, the dive proved costly. He immediately showed signs of discomfort, grimacing in pain and staying down without returning the ball. Medical attention followed swiftly, but it became apparent he would play no further part in the Test.

A further assessment will take place at the end of the series 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9mzGbV5WSL

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 1, 2025

Before the unfortunate injury, Chris Woakes had already made his presence felt with the ball. He delivered a steady 14-over spell and claimed the vital wicket of K.L. Rahul, who had looked set early on. The 36-year-old has been a consistent performer throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, featuring in all five matches and collecting 11 wickets.

This injury comes at a time when England’s bowling resources were already stretched. With Ben Stokes unavailable due to injury and Jofra Archer rested, Woakes’ absence further weakens England’s attack, especially on a greenish Oval pitch that offered assistance to seamers.

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India, too, is grappling with bowling balance, having rested Jasprit Bumrah after three games to manage his workload. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate quipped that England might have “got it spot on” by keeping the best bowling wicket for the final Test, when Bumrah was no longer available.

Woakes’ injury has now tilted the balance slightly back in India’s favour in this closely fought decider.