England encountered a significant setback on the first day at The Oval, as seasoned all-rounder Chris Woakes was sidelined from bowling for the remainder of the Test due to a shoulder injury. At 36, Woakes appeared visibly in discomfort after a diving effort in the field during Day 1, subsequently refraining from further bowling and was seen with his right shoulder heavily strapped, clearly restricting his range of motion.
This incident arises at a particularly pivotal stage, with the series finely poised at 2-1. As India prepares for a potentially substantial second innings, the absence of Woakes from England’s bowling lineup could exert a considerable influence on the outcome of the match.
Woakes’ importance in the playing XI
Woakes has been a quiet yet solid part of England’s red-ball plans, especially at home. His tight bowling in India’s first innings created an early gap at The Oval, and his level of control, as well as his experience, are irreplaceable given the current limitations of the squad.
His absence now creates just three frontline seamers on the pitch for England: Josh Tongue, Atkinson, and Jamie Overton – all young and talented but with limited experience of Test cricket when together. Woakes has 61 Tests to his name and averages 25 with the ball in England. In combination, it makes him not only statistically the best seam-bowling all-rounder in the last decade but also reliable if a top seamer picked up an injury.
Concerns about injuries are increasing in the England squad
The timing of Woakes’ injury could not be worse, adding to a larger fitness crisis that has plagued England’s red-ball plans. Stokes, the captain and inspirational figure of the team, has played the series as a specialist batter who bowled in crucial moments. He was unavailable for this test due to a shoulder injury. Archer also remains out due to a back injury, leaving his long-term red-ball future in doubt.
In this fifth Test at The Oval, England have had to rely on three primary seamers, Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Atkinson, who have, despite promise, played fewer than ten Tests combined. Woakes, however, has more than sixty Tests of experience.
Series and Ashes implications
The absence of Woakes doesn’t only impact the result of this Test match, it looms large for England as they prepare for their 2025–26 Ashes tour of Australia. With Stokes potentially restricted in his bowling role in the long term, Woakes was seen as a key senior figure among a rebuilding attack.
His versatility with the ball, skill in controlling the game in flat conditions, and worth in low-order batting all made him one of England’s most bankable and versatile options for the Australian summer. If he has done a serious shoulder injury, then the selectors may contemplate going into an Ashes series with none of Archer, Woakes, or Stokes as fully fit bowling options.
That would leave England with an inexperienced pace attack, consisting of only young bowlers appealing for selection in tough and unfamiliar conditions. The absence of a player like Woakes greatly diminishes overall leadership and tactical coordination within much of England’s bowling unit.
Bigger questions for England
Chris Woakes’ recent injury, though it lacked dramatic visuals or the sort of on-field chaos that captures headlines, may well prove pivotal for England’s summer campaign. Beneath the surface, the incident underscores a more systemic issue within the team. An overreliance on veteran players whose fitness records are, frankly, precarious, and a glaring absence of younger seam bowlers prepared to seamlessly take up the mantle.
The immediate problem is obvious: losing Woakes in a crucial series significantly complicates England’s tactical options. Yet, the repercussions extend further, signaling deeper structural weaknesses as England faces the demanding Ashes tour ahead.
In essence, the current pace of attack seems to be held together less by strategic planning and more by a combination of patchwork solutions, optimism, and an urgent hope that experience alone can bridge the gaps. Such circumstances hardly foster confidence in the team’s long-term resilience.
Annsly Raena 
Soureesh Datta 