Woakes will be ready to bat on Day 5
Woakes will be ready to bat on Day 5
India vs England 5th Test: Injured Chris Woakes is ready to bat for England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy's final day. Woakes is prepared to bat at No.11 if needed to secure the remaining 35 runs for a series victory against India.
In a gripping finish to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, England may need their injured all-rounder Chris Woakes to bat on Day 5 and he’s ready, despite suffering a suspected shoulder dislocation earlier in the match. Woakes, who hasn’t played since Day 1, is prepared to walk out at No. 11 if England require him to chase the final 35 runs with just four wickets left.
Joe Root spoke passionately about Woakes’ commitment after the dramatic Day 4 ended. “He’s all in,” Root said. “This series has been about heart, determination, and putting bodies on the line. Woakes hasn’t given up he had a few throwdowns indoors, and if we need him, he’s there.”
Though Woakes remains in serious pain, his readiness to bat has drawn comparisons to legendary moments in cricket history like Malcolm Marshall batting one-handed to support a teammate. Root wasn’t sure how much Woakes could do with the bat, but praised his courage and desire to help the team. “We’ve seen guys play through injuries Pant with a broken foot, others taking hits. It shows how much this series means.”
India still has a major weapon left in their arsenal the second new ball, due in just 22 deliveries. But England have one last advantage too: they’ll get a pitch-rolling session before play starts, which could flatten the surface and make batting easier.
The fact that England is so close to victory is largely thanks to a phenomenal 195-run stand between Harry Brook and Joe Root, both scoring centuries. Brook, who had a stroke of luck when he was dropped on 19, lit up The Oval with a blistering 111 off just 98 balls. His aggressive batting forced India’s bowlers into a defensive strategy, allowing Root to play with patience and control.
Root described their partnership as “a joy,” crediting Brook’s attacking mindset for creating space to build his own innings. “We’ve got contrasting styles, but that works in our favour,” Root explained. “Brook takes smart risks and really puts the pressure on the opposition. Watching him go after India’s top bowlers was incredible. He’s not just a one-match wonder he’s scored ten hundreds now, consistently playing with purpose and clarity.”
Beyond praising his teammate, Root also singled out India’s Mohammed Siraj for his relentless energy and skill. “He’s a warrior a real character who gives everything for his team. He plays with intensity but also has a smile and a great attitude. It’s always a challenge to face him, but also a pleasure.”
As Day 4 came to a close due to bad light and rain, the tension was palpable. England needed just 35 runs; India needed four wickets. Root took a practical view, saying Day 5 could bring either trouble or triumph. “You hit a couple of boundaries early, and the game’s different. But coming back fresh tomorrow gives us a new chance, a rested body, and a rolled pitch. Both sides have pros and cons it’s out of our hands now.”
With a possible heroic cameo from Woakes and England just inches from the finish line, the final day promises high drama and unforgettable cricket. One way or another, history will be written at The Oval.