With England's batting lineup collapsing under pressure on the final morning and the match teetering on a knife’s edge, Woakes made the brave call to walk out and support his team in their hour of need. As he emerged from the pavilion with his left arm strapped and immobile, the crowd at The Oval rose to their feet in applause
Chris Woakes (Photo: ICC)
Chris Woakes defied a painful shoulder injury to walk out and bat with his left arm in a sling on Day 5 of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval. With England just 17 runs away from a dramatic series-clinching win and only one wicket in hand, Woakes’ courageous decision electrified the crowd and underscored the intensity of a match that had already delivered high drama.
Unbreakable spirit. All heart ❤️
— ICC (@ICC) August 4, 2025
Chris Woakes walks out to bat for England 🙌
#WTC27 | 📝 #ENGvIND: https://t.co/SNl4Ym0LJt pic.twitter.com/3niY4Zdgxj
Woakes, who injured his left shoulder while diving in the field on the very first day of the Test, had been officially ruled out of the remainder of the match by the England and Wales Cricket Board. The injury was severe enough that he did not return to the field for any part of the game thereafter, not with the ball, and not with the bat in the first innings.
Arm in a sling, Chris Woakes has arrived to the crease 😱 pic.twitter.com/D4QDscnfXE
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 4, 2025
However, with England's batting lineup collapsing under pressure on the final morning and the match teetering on a knife’s edge, Woakes made the brave call to walk out and support his team in their hour of need. As he emerged from the pavilion with his left arm strapped and immobile, the crowd at The Oval rose to their feet in applause, recognising the remarkable spirit of a player putting country over comfort.
England, chasing a target of 374, were reduced to 357 for 9 after a fiery spell from Mohammed Siraj and disciplined bowling from the Indian attack. With Chris Woakes effectively the last man standing and tailender Josh Tongue at the other end, the odds were heavily stacked against the hosts. But Woakes’ mere presence at the crease sent a powerful message, this game wasn’t over yet.
Even though he was clearly restricted by his injury, Woakes took guard and showed immense bravery in facing up to India’s bowling attack. Every delivery bowled at him was a test of pain tolerance as much as technique. His appearance on the field, with one functional arm, was reminiscent of some of cricket’s grittiest moments, from Anil Kumble bowling with a broken jaw to Graeme Smith walking out with a fractured hand.
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