Gus Atkinson provided an update on Chris Woakes, who suffered a shoulder injury in a major blow for England during the fifth and final Test at The Oval. In the post-Tea session, Woakes left the field grimacing in pain after injuring his left shoulder while chasing a boundary.
The incident occurred on the fifth ball of the 57th over when Karun Nair drove Jamie Overton down the ground. Woakes sprinted to stop the ball, successfully preventing a boundary as Nair ran three, but landed awkwardly and immediately clutched his shoulder before walking off.
Liam Dawson replaced him as a substitute fielder. Atkinson, who dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, admitted the injury didn’t look pretty but expressed hope for Woakes’ swift recovery.
“I don’t know too much, but it doesn’t look great. It’s the last game of the series, and it’s always a big shame when anyone gets injured. I’m hoping it’s not too serious, and whatever it is, he’ll have everyone’s full support,” Atkinson said in the press conference after the day’s play.
Woakes had figures of 14-1-46-1, taking the wicket of KL Rahul. It now remains to be seen if Woakes gets fit enough to take part in the remainder of the Test.
‘Fresh and ready’
Atkinson, drafted in as one of the pace options in place of Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer, has stepped up impressively. In addition to claiming the key wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, he also ran out Shubman Gill with a sharp direct hit at the striker’s end.
Speaking after play, Atkinson said he’s prepared to take on additional responsibility if Woakes is ruled out for the remainder of the match.
“I feel fresh and ready. I know this is my only game, so I can push my limits a bit,” Woakes said.
India ended Day 1 on 204 for six, thanks to an unbeaten 51-run stand between Karun Nair and Washington Sundar after a collapse saw them slump to 153 for six. For England, they would be looking to wrap up the Indian innings at the earliest.
– Ends