The England Cricket Team suffered a huge blow on Day 1 of the India vs England 5th Test at Kia Oval, with pacer Chris Woakes suffering a suspected shoulder injury while diving for ball near boundary line. Woakes landed awkwardly on his shoulder and was in visible pain before walking off the field with his left arm wrapped in his sweater. The veteran bowler bowled 14 overs on Day 1 while conceding 46 runs. He picked up wicket of KL Rahul before suffering the injury
Will Chris Woakes return to bowl on Day 2?
England pacer Gus Atkinson provided a fitness update on Woakes during a press conference at the end of Day 1. He said, "I don't know too much about it, but it doesn't look great. 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."
The injury occurred at a time when the home team was without some of its key players. Skaipper Ben Stokes was ruled due to injury, while Archer was rested for the match. Woakes' absence would leave England with an attack short of experience, with the rest of the attack having a combined 18 Test caps for England.
England on top despite Woakes injury
Day 1 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval in London witnessed too many rain interruptions but the hosts made the chance count after choosing to field first during overcast conditions. England’s bowlers bowled brilliantly to leave India at 204 for 6 at stumps.
Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue led the charge, picking up two wickets apiece. Sai Sudharsan played a composed knock of 38, striking six crisp boundaries before falling just as he looked set. Karun Nair, making a return to the Test side, stood out with a gritty unbeaten 52, laced with seven well-timed boundaries. Partnering him at the close of play was Washington Sundar, who remained not out on 19 with two boundaries to his name.
