In a remarkable display of grit and determination, Chris Woakes emerged to bat for England on the final day of the fifth Test against India at The Oval, despite carrying a suspected dislocated shoulder. The incident occurred on the opening day of the match while fielding, leading to Woakes being ruled out for the remainder of the game. However, with England needing just 35 runs to win and secure the series 3-1, Woakes was prepared to put his body on the line and come to the crease at No. 11 if required.
Woakes' injury, sustained while attempting to prevent a boundary, raised doubts about his ability to bat at all. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initially stated that he would play no further part in the match. Yet, displaying incredible resolve, Woakes was seen practicing one-handed batting in the indoor nets on Sunday and later changed into his whites, signaling his readiness to bat if needed.
The sight of Woakes walking out to bat with his left arm in a sling stunned the crowd at The Oval. He held his arm inside his jumper and grimaced as he ran between the wickets, supporting Gus Atkinson's efforts to get England over the winning line without facing a ball. This act of bravery earned him a standing ovation from the packed crowd, who recognized the immense courage it took to step onto the field in such a condition.
England teammate Joe Root revealed that Woakes was "all-in" and willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Root acknowledged the significant pain Woakes was experiencing, highlighting the willingness of players to put their bodies on the line in this series. He drew parallels with India's Rishabh Pant, who had also batted through an injury earlier in the series, emphasizing the importance of the game to the players.
Woakes's courageous act has drawn comparisons to other instances of cricketers displaying similar resilience. Social media users recalled Anil Kumble, while others cited examples such as Graeme Smith batting with a broken hand in the 2009 Sydney Test and Saleem Malik alternating between right- and left-handed stances after suffering a broken arm in the 1986 Faisalabad Test. These moments of courage under pressure have become integral to the spirit of Test cricket.
Ultimately, England achieved their target, winning the match and the series. While Woakes didn't face a ball, his willingness to bat in such a compromised state served as an inspiration to his teammates and a testament to his unwavering commitment to the team. His actions will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most unforgettable moments of the series.
