Chris Woakes is expected to miss the 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 diving to cut off a boundary on the opening day, tumbling over the rope and damaging the joint. Scans and further assessment are pending, but the outlook is not positive.
England have not officially confirmed the severity of the injury, but there is an expectation that an operation and a recovery period of several months will be needed. The team departs for Perth on 9 November, making Woakes' participation in the Ashes highly unlikely.
Woakes has historically struggled overseas, averaging 52 with the ball in this series against India. However, England had considered him a likely traveller due to his experience in a relatively raw seam-bowling group. The injury has devastated the dressing room, with Woakes being a respected and popular figure.
The injury occurred while Woakes was chasing a boundary, consistent with England's aggressive fielding approach under Brendon McCullum. Fatigue may have been a factor, as Woakes is the only England bowler to play all five Tests in this series, with a workload of 181 overs.
Woakes' central contract expires in October, and there are fears that his international career may be over. His absence could open up a spot for Sam Cook, who has been considered Woakes' understudy this season. Ollie Robinson is another contender but has not played for England since the 2024 tour of India due to concerns over his work ethic.
