England one pacer short for rest of 5th Test as Chris Woakes ruled out with shoulder injury

England bowler Gus Atkinson had a grim update on Chris Woakes' shoulder injury during the fifth Test against India.

England’s most enduring pace option in the ongoing Test series, Chris Woakes will miss the rest of the decisive fifth Test against India after sustaining a shoulder injury on Day 1 at The Oval. The 36-year-old tumbled awkwardly while attempting to save a boundary late on Thursday and was soon seen leaving the field, holding his left arm in a makeshift sling and wincing in pain.

England's Chris Woakes (L) walks off the pitch injured holding his shoulder on the first day of the fifth Test (AFP)

The Warwickshire seamer underwent a scan overnight, and the ECB confirmed his unavailability on Friday. “England seamer Chris Woakes will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Rothesay Fifth Test at The Kia Oval, following a left shoulder injury sustained on day one of the match against India. At this stage, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation in the Test,” the ECB announced.

“A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series.”

Earlier, Gus Atkinson had hinted that Woakes would be ruled out of the rest of the game. “It doesn't look great,” Atkinson told BBC.

“I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game.”

Atkinson further expressed the squad’s concern for their teammate, saying, “It's the last game of the series and when anyone gets injured it's a shame. We're hoping it's not too bad. Whatever it is, he will get full support from everyone."

Woakes remained at the ground after India ended the first day at 204/6, receiving medical attention and undergoing assessments from England’s support staff. His injury adds to an already depleted pace attack that has been battling a punishing schedule and a growing list of absentees.

Stokes, Archer absent from XI

Captain Ben Stokes, England’s top wicket-taker in the series, was ruled out of the final Test due to his own shoulder injury. Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer were rested for the final Test after their workload, with Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton left to do a majority of the heavy-lifting for the rest of the Test.

Woakes had been the only England fast bowler to feature in all five matches of the series. While his returns on generally flat surfaces in the first four Tests were modest (10 wickets), he did make a breakthrough on Day 1 at The Oval, bowling KL Rahul with a delivery that jagged back.

The timing of the injury could have wider implications for Woakes’ international future. With a less-than-impressive record away from home and age not on his side, this latest setback, if severe, could hamper his chances of making England’s Ashes squad later this year.