Chris Woakes shoulder injury mars opening day of fifth Test between England and India at The Oval - 'It doesn't look great'
By Rhys Jones
Published 31/07/2025 at 21:07 GMT+1
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England reduced India to 204-6 on the opening day of the final Test at The Oval, which was unfortunately marred by a shoulder injury to Chris Woakes, further causing England problems in their bowling line-up. Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue each took two wickets on a rain-hit day. England took six wickets despite an up-and-down performance, while India's Karun Nair ended the day 52 not out.
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England managed to take six wickets on the rain-hit opening day of their fifth Test with India, which was marred by an injury to Chris Woakes.
Already without an injured Ben Stokes, England's attack reduced India to 204-6, but Woakes suffered an injury to his shoulder towards the end of a day in which England won another toss.
The 36-year-old was hurt chasing a ball to the boundary and left the field with his arm wrapped in a makeshift sling from his shirt.
Gus Atkinson, who was England's best operator at The Oval, was not optimistic about Woakes' injury and admitted he would be surprised to see him take part again.
"It doesn't look great. We haven't really spoken about it yet. I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game," Atkinson said.
"Hopefully the batters can nestle in and give us time off so we can get refreshed and be ready to fire in the second innings."
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He continued: "It was a good day. There was pressure on the bowling side with the conditions that were overhead.
"We didn't want to get too far ahead of ourselves. 200-6, we are happy with that. An early wicket tomorrow and we will be in a good position.
"It has been two or so months since I last played for England. I was happy with how I bowled. I know the conditions and the pitch. I am very happy with how it went."
The rain-hit day made only 64 overs possible, but England's bowlers managed to make inroads.
With Stokes already out, England were also without Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse. There were recalls for Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue.
The latter of that trio epitomised England's display as he dismissed Sai Sudharsan and Ravindra Jadeja with two incredible deliveries.
But for the good from Tongue, there was also some bad. His first over saw him concede 11 in wides as his radar went awry.
Tongue's two wickets came within four overs of each other, and were followed by Atkinson's second wicket when he dismissed Dhruv Jurel.
Atkinson also ran out India captain Shubman Gill with a smart piece of work.
"It was great. I was surprised when he kept coming and I got the ball and was like 'I need to hit here'. It was pleasing to get him out like that," Aktinson said on his run-out of Gill.
There was, however, a strong performance from India's Karun Nair, who ended the day 52 not out.
Thanks to Nair, India passed 200 late in the day and the 33-year-old repaid the faith head coach Gautam Gambhir put in him after being left out of the fourth Test.
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