England’s experienced all-rounder Chris Woakes suffered a dislocated shoulder during the opening day of the fifth Test against India at The Oval. The incident occured when Woakes attempted to prevent a boundary and dived near the rope but landed awkwardly on his left shoulder. He was clearly in discomfort and required immediate attention from the physio.
By Day 2, England’s team management confirmed the seriousness of the injury and ruled him out of the remainder of the Test match. It now appears likely that Woakes will miss the Ashes 2024-25, starting November 21 in Perth.Â
According to a report in The Telegraph, scans taken after play on Day 1 confirmed that Chris Woakes had sustained a dislocation to his left shoulder. Surgery is appearing increasingly probable. Early medical assessments indicate the all-rounder might require up to six months of recovery time, which effectively rules him out for the rest of 2025.Â
Also read: IND vs ENG: Chris Woakes' shoulder blow reignites calls for mid-injury replacements
Chris Woakes’ Injury a Major Setback Ahead of The Ashes
Woakes’ injury comes at an unfortunate time for England with the Ashes 2024-25 just a few months away. He featured in all five Tests of the India series and was a rare constant in an otherwise inconsistent England bowling unit.Â
He is 36 and this untimely injury now raises questions about his international future. The Ashes in Australia is a physically demanding series and England are unlikely to take a half-fit player into that kind of high-pressure environment.Â
For now, the focus will be on his rehabilitation but it remains to be seen whether he will recover in time to make the flight Down Under, which seems highly unlikely.
Who Can Replace Chris Woakes for The Ashes?
With Woakes unlikely to be fit in time, England’s selectors may be forced to consider alternatives. One of the names gaining traction is Essex seamer Sam Cook.Â
He has played only one Test so far in his career. In May 2025, the 27-year-old made his Test debut against Zimbabwe and picked one wicket in the match.
Also read: Ashes 2025-26: England to face PM XI's ahead of pink-ball Test
