Injury-plagued England were dealt a severe blow on Friday (August 1, 2025) after seamer Chris Woakes was ruled out of the ongoing fifth and final Test against India with a suspected shoulder dislocation.

The all-rounder had to leave the field after landing awkwardly on his left shoulder while saving a ball hit by Karun Nair at long-off late during the opening day of the match on Thursday.

Woakes looked in visible pain as he walked off the field with his left arm wrapped in his sweater.

“England seamer Chris Woakes will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Rothesay Fifth Test at The Kia Oval, following a left shoulder injury sustained on day one of the match against India,” the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.

“At this stage, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation in the Test. A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series.”

Earlier on Thursday, Woakes teammate Gus Atkinson said Woakes’ injury didn’t look good.

“I don’t know too much about it, but it doesn’t look great,” Atkinson said after India reached 204 for 6 at stumps on the rain-affected day.

“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 opening day, picking up the crucial wicket of KL Rahul and conceded 46 runs. Woakes’ injury has added to the woes of England, who are missing several key players, including captain Ben Stokes.

Atkinson picked up two wickets from his 19 overs on the opening day, and seemed confident to take up the responsibility in Woakes’ absence.

“Definitely, I feel fresh, I feel good,” Atkinson said. “I know I’ve only got this one game to play so I can push the limits a bit,” he added.

England are leading the five-Test series 2-1.