Chris Woakes admitted he was relieved not to face 90 mph bouncers from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna on Day 5 of the fifth Test against India.
Chris Woakes’ Heroic Return Despite Injury in Final Test
England all-rounder Chris Woakes sparked mixed reactions on Day 5 of the fifth Test against India. Some wondered how he could bat one-handed—and on the “wrong” side—while others feared facing 90 mph bouncers from Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, especially with his left arm tightly strapped in a sling. The latter was the more realistic concern.
Despite being ruled out three days earlier due to a dislocated shoulder, Woakes chose to bat because England needed 17 runs with just one wicket remaining. His absence would have handed India victory, but as a born fighter, Woakes wasn’t willing to give up without a fight.
The decision for Chris Woakes to bat was made on Day 4, when England were set a challenging target of 374 runs. Knowing he would have to face the final moments regardless of the score, Chris Woakes prepared mentally to step up.
Day 5 began with England needing 35 runs and four wickets in hand. Jamie Overton’s quick back-to-back fours gave hope, but India’s relentless bowling, especially an inspired spell by Siraj, dismantled the batting lineup. With England nine down and still 17 runs short, Woakes walked out holding his bat in one hand. Unlike Rishabh Pant’s cautious limp with a fractured foot, Woakes’ stride, though cautious, showed determination.
The Oval crowd responded with a standing ovation, recognizing one of the most courageous acts in cricket—Woakes putting his body on the line for his team.
Woakes’ Grit, Atkinson’s Fight, and Siraj’s Final Blow Seal Series Draw for India
Chris Woakes showed remarkable determination in the dying moments of the final Test, despite battling visible discomfort. He ran hard between the wickets—singles, a double, and crucially ensured Gus Atkinson remained on strike. Each grimace on his face told a story of pain, but Woakes kept pushing, helping England inch closer to an unlikely win. His 10-run stand with Atkinson briefly reignited England’s hopes of a 3-1 series victory.
But just as tension peaked, Mohammed Siraj—once again—delivered the knockout punch. With a devastating yorker, he uprooted Atkinson’s off stump, sealing a thrilling six-run win for India and levelling the series 2-2. Woakes, who didn’t face a single delivery, admitted to The Guardian that the ending brought mixed emotions.