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The highly-anticipated five-match Test series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is currently placed 2-1 in favour of the hosts, England, who won the first and third Test in Leeds and London, respectively. While the Men in Blue fought hard to draw the fourth Test in Manchester, but they will hope to take the final match to end the series in a draw.
But as the two sides took the field for the final Test, underway at the Kia Oval in London, England’s stand-in captain Ollie Pope won the toss and elected to bowl first. While the opening day saw India lose six of their batters, they ended the day with their scorecard reading 204/6. The hosts were also handed a massive blow as their star pacer Chris Woakes left the field after an injury.
Chris Woakes set to miss remainder of fifth Test vs India: Reports
Woakes who got the prized wicket of opener KL Rahul, tumbled while attempting to save a boundary late, thus injuring his shoulder in the process. As he landed awkwardly, he was seen leaving the field with immediate effect while holding his left arm in visible pain. While his injured looked serious, it remains highly likely that the English pacer will not take the field for the remainder of Test.
Speaking after day one’s play, Gus Atkinson shared an update on Woakes injury. "It doesn't look great," the fellow England pacer told BBC Sport. "I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game. It's the last game of the series and when anyone gets injured it's a shame. We're hoping it's not too bad. Whatever it is, he will get full support from everyone," he added.
The veteran pacer’s injury comes as a massive blow with the home side already missing their red-ball skipper Ben Stokes with a torn shoulder muscle and Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse also sit out in order to manage his workload. However, an update on his availability will be shared in due time, Woakes hasn’t been impactful in this series as he has picked only 10 wickets thus far.
