Chris Woakes is expected to miss the upcoming Ashes tour and may require surgery after dislocating his left shoulder during the fifth Test against India at The Oval. The 36-year-old injured himself while diving to stop a boundary on the opening day, tumbling over the rope and damaging the joint.
Scans are ongoing, but the outlook is not positive, with a recovery period likely to extend into months. England land in Perth on 9 November for the Ashes, and Woakes' absence leaves a gap in an otherwise inexperienced seam attack.
Woakes has historically struggled overseas, averaging 52 with the ball in this series against India, but his experience made him a likely traveller. The injury has devastated the England dressing room, with captain Ben Stokes also sidelined with a shoulder issue.
The injury may open a spot for Sam Cook, considered Woakes' understudy this season, while Ollie Robinson's poor work ethic has ruled him out of contention. Woakes' central contract expires in October, raising fears that his international career may be over.
