Suspected shoulder dislocation threatens to cut Woakes’ bowling short in Oval Test

Chris Woakes appears unlikely to bowl again in England’s fifth Test against India at The Oval after suffering a suspected shoulder dislocation while fielding.

Woakes chased a ball from mid-off towards the boundary near the day of the day, and his left hand appeared to slip on the damp outfield as he attempted to steady himself. He landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and stayed down clutching it. He received medical attention from Ben Davies, the England physio, before using his jumper as a makeshift sling on his way to the dressing room.

An England spokesperson declined to comment on the extent of Woakes’ injury, but he is expected to go for a scan overnight after receiving treatment in the dressing room on Thursday evening.

“I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great,” Gus Atkinson said. “It’s a big shame, last game of the series, and when anyone gets injured, it’s a shame. I’m hoping it’s not too bad, and whatever it is, he’ll get full support from everyone.”

Woakes bowled 14 overs on the first day, taking 1 for 46, and his injury looks set to leave England a bowler short for the rest of the match. He has taken 11 wickets at 52.18 in the series, bowling 181 overs, and is one of only two seamers – along with India’s Mohammed Siraj – to have featured in all five Tests.

He is also England’s most experienced seamer, with the other three members of their fast-bowling attack – Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue – sharing only 18 previous Test caps between them.

Atkinson, who is playing his first Test of the series after a hamstring strain, said that he is ready to “push the limits” if required in Woakes’ absence. “Definitely, I feel fresh, I feel good,” he said. “I know I’ve only got this one game to play so I can push the limits a bit.”