Chris Woakes' brave effort to bat with a dislocated shoulder against India at the Oval brought back memories of a similar act of courage from 1984, when Paul Terry went out to bat for England with a broken arm against the West Indies.
In the Old Trafford Test of the 1984 series, England were trailing 3-0 and facing a daunting West Indies total of 500. Terry, playing in his second Test, was struck on the left arm by a delivery from Winston Davis while attempting to duck. He was led from the field and later diagnosed with a broken forearm, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
England slumped to 278 for nine, with Allan Lamb on 98 and needing support to reach his third consecutive Test century. Despite his injury, Terry emerged from the dressing room to resume his innings, to the surprise of the West Indies team and commentators. He helped Lamb reach his hundred by running a quick two, but was then bowled by Joel Garner for a duck, ending England's innings.
Terry later said he thought it was worth trying to save the follow-on, even though he could only nick a few runs. His bravery was widely praised, echoing the spirit shown by Woakes decades later.
