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The England cricket team, which is currently hosting India for a five-match Test series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, has been struggling with the fitness of several players. However, the series stands 2-1 in favour of the hosts at the moment, but with the fifth Test underway at the Kennington Oval in London, it looks well poised with all results possible as India have posted a 374-run target for the home side to chase.
However, the home side are without their regular red-ball skipper Ben Stokes and star pacer Jofra Archer, they were handed a massive blow ahead of day two’s play as Chris Woakes too was ruled out of the remaining fifth Test. While Ben Stokes is suffering from a shoulder tendon injury, Archer has been out to manage his workload.
Chris Woakes to miss England’s Ashes tour: Reports
Chris Woakes, who featured in all the five Tests of the ongoing series, suffered a shoulder injury on the opening day of the fifth Test at The Oval. As Woakes attempted to prevent a boundary with only 30 minutes left in day’s play, damp outfield conditions led the England all-rounder to make an awkward landing, thus injuring his shoulder in this process.
According to reports quoting The Telegraph, the injury looks serious and as a result could see Woakes miss the Ashes series. However, scans confirmed the injury, but the doctors are considering the option of a surgery, which if happens, will sideline the English pacer for a considerable time, including the Ashes.
Notably, Woakes made a return to England Test setup for the first time since December last year after recovering from an ankle injury. On his return into the Test setup, he claimed 11 wickets at an average of 51.18 and a strike rate of 98.73.
