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Chris Woakes Sidelined From Oval Test; Will England Get A Substitute Player Vs India?

Jatin

Chris Woakes injured his shoulder on Day 1 [Source: @freebigbetsuk/x.com]Chris Woakes injured his shoulder on Day 1 [Source: @freebigbetsuk/x.com]

The clouds over The Oval got gloomier for England, not just in the sky but on the field too. England’s dependable workhorse and the only fit bowler to feature in all five Tests of the gripping India series, Chris Woakes has been officially ruled out of the fifth and final Test after a shoulder injury on Day 1.

Woakes Ruled Out, England To Play Remainder Of Oval Test A Bowler Down

It all unfolded during the 60th over on a rain-hit opening day. Woakes dived near the boundary rope in an attempt to save a run and landed awkwardly. The moment he got up with his arm hanging in a makeshift sling, it was clear the damage was serious.

He left the field in visible pain and hasn’t returned since. A scan was done Thursday evening and by Friday morning, the dreaded news was out which stated that Woakes had been ruled out of the remainder of the ENG vs IND 5th Test.

With England already running on fumes, this blow is sure to hurt them big time. Woakes has been a steady hand, swinging the ball, hitting the deck and even chipping in with the bat when needed. Now, they are left to share the burden among the rest and in a series where fatigue has already set in, this is the last thing captain Ollie Pope would've wanted.

Can England Name A Substitute?

No. There are rules in place and sadly for England, they don’t bend. As per MCC Law 24.1.2, England can call in a substitute fielder. But that is about it. The sub can field but cannot bat, bowl or captain.

So no, they can’t draft in a sub to fill Woakes’ boots. No like-for-like replacement, no sub. Unless it’s a concussion (which it isn’t).

India In The Driver’s Seat?

India made the most of the chaos and the weather, ending the day at 204 for 6, with Karun Nair finally finding some form, unbeaten on 52. With rain breaks and overcast skies making life tough for bowlers and batters alike, India might just sniff a first-innings advantage here.

England, though, will have to dig deep. With Woakes gone, the bowling load will now fall heavily on the shoulders of Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton and Jacob Bethell. Not to forget, the Oval is known to wear down bowlers as the match goes on.

England are now a bowler down and a plan short. Woakes’ absence is a bitter pill to swallow and the rest of the team will have to punch above their weight to keep India in check.