Chris Woakes injured his left shoulder while fielding during Day 1 of the final Test between England and India at The Oval on July 31, 2025, and has since been ruled out of the remainder of that match and potentially the upcoming Ashes series.
🩺 What happened?
While diving to prevent a boundary in the 57th–60th over of India’s first innings, Woakes landed awkwardly on his left shoulder. He immediately left the field in visible pain, using his sweater as a makeshift sling.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the injury ruled him out of the rest of the match, with a detailed assessment to follow after the series.
📉 Implications for England
England now proceed in the fifth Test with only three specialist seamers—Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton—who collectively hold just 18 Test caps between them.
Woakes was the only England bowler to play in all five Tests of the series, delivering 181 overs and taking 11 wickets at an average of around 52.18.
🚫 Ashes & Career outlook
Medical evaluations suggest Woakes may have suffered a shoulder dislocation, possibly requiring surgery and an extended rehabilitation period. Recovery times could stretch to four to six months, making him a doubtful selection for the Ashes tour to Australia, scheduled to start in late November 2025.
At 36, with a central contract expiring October 2025, and considering the severity of the injury, his Test career may be nearing its close.
📌 Quick Summary Table
Detail Information
Injury date July 31, 2025 (Day 1 of 5th Test at The Oval)
Nature Left shoulder injury—suspected dislocation during fielding
Match status Ruled out for rest of the match
Team impact England now short of experienced seamers in the Test match
Ashes prospects Likely ruled out due to recovery timeline
Career outlook At 36 and contract ending soon, return to international cricket uncertain
