Chris Woakes is preparing to bat in the final Test against India despite a serious shoulder injury sustained on the opening day, with England needing 35 runs to win the series. The 36-year-old all-rounder has been having throw-downs and is ready to put his body on the line, according to captain Joe Root.
“He’s all in, like the rest of us,” Root said. “Hopefully it doesn’t get to that but he’s had some throw‑downs and he’s ready if needed. Clearly he’s in a huge amount of pain, but it means a huge amount to him and it just shows the character and the person that he is.”
Root’s 39th Test century and a 195-run partnership with Harry Brook put England on the verge of victory, but three quick wickets swung momentum back to India before rain ended play early. Root expressed frustration at his dismissal, saying he was “bitterly disappointed not to still be there and get us home.”
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel praised his team’s fightback, noting the importance of staying calm and working hard. “You can’t really afford to throw in the towel in a very important Test match,” he said.
Root dedicated his century to former England batter Graham Thorpe, wearing a charity headband in his honour. “That was on behalf of our team. Everything that he’s given and sacrificed for English cricket, it’s just great to see the amount of love there is for him,” Root added.
