The fifth Test between India and England has turned into an absolute nail-biter. As the match heads into its final morning, both sides are locked in a battle that could swing either way. England needs just 35 runs to seal the series 3-1, while India is only four wickets away from leveling it 2-2. And right in the middle of this high-stakes drama stands one man whose name is suddenly on everyone’s lips: Chris Woakes.
But here’s the twist — Woakes is carrying a shoulder injury, and that single detail could end up defining the outcome of this entire series.
A Series on the Edge
Cricket fans have been treated to a rollercoaster ride in this Test series. Every match has delivered unexpected twists, bold performances, and heart-stopping finishes. And now, as we stand at the brink of the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval, the tension couldn’t be higher.
England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach has put them on the verge of victory, but India has shown time and again that they thrive in pressure situations. With England at 339/6, needing 35 more runs, and India needing four wickets, the game is perfectly poised for a dramatic finish.
Why Chris Woakes Is the Talking Point
When you think of match-winning heroes, you picture players like Joe Root or Harry Brook — and rightly so. Both of them scored sensational centuries on Day 4 to keep England in the game. But suddenly, all eyes are on Chris Woakes, a player who might not even be able to swing his bat freely because of his injured shoulder.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain summed it up perfectly:
“England will hope it doesn’t come down to Chris Woakes. India will hope that it does.”
If Woakes is forced to bat, he could either become England’s unexpected savior or India’s biggest opportunity.
Woakes’ Injury – A Serious Concern
Woakes’ shoulder injury isn’t minor. He was even seen with his arm in a sling, raising real doubts about whether he can handle the heat if he’s forced to face India’s fiery bowling attack.
Joe Root, however, has tried to calm English fans, saying that Woakes is “ready to put his body on the line” if needed. That sounds heroic, doesn’t it? But let’s be realistic — sending an injured batter out against India’s pace attack is like sending a knight into battle with a broken sword.
A Throwback to Malcolm Marshall’s Iconic Moment
Cricket has seen moments of sheer grit before. Remember Malcolm Marshall at Headingley in 1984? He batted one-handed with his broken thumb and helped West Indies to victory. Woakes’ situation has already drawn comparisons to that legendary moment.
But here’s the catch: times have changed. The game is faster, bowlers are sharper, and India’s attack will smell blood if Woakes walks in. Hussain himself warned,
“If you’ve got one arm in a sling and bouncers are flying, India will do what they have to do to win.”
And that’s exactly what makes this such a fascinating subplot.
England’s Heroes of Day 4
Before we dive deeper into Woakes’ dilemma, let’s not forget the heroes who brought England within touching distance of victory.
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Joe Root scored a calm and composed 105, proving once again why he’s one of the best Test batters in the world.
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Harry Brook smashed a brilliant 111, becoming the fastest Englishman to score 10 Test centuries in the last 70 years. Talk about breaking records with style!
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for England. Brook was dropped on 19 by Mohammed Siraj — a mistake India might regret if England crosses the finish line.
India’s Stunning Comeback
For a while, it looked like England was cruising. But in the final session of Day 4, India roared back into the contest.
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Brook fell to Akash Deep after a loose shot.
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Jacob Bethell dragged one onto his stumps.
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Root was dismissed in a brilliant wicket-maiden by Prasidh Krishna, who ended the day with 3/109.
Suddenly, from a position of dominance, England found themselves six down. Now, Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) are at the crease, and the entire cricketing world is wondering — will India break through and force Woakes to bat?
The Woakes Factor – A Tactical Battle
Let’s be clear: this Test could come down to Chris Woakes. If Smith and Overton hold their ground, England might never need him. But if India strikes early, Woakes will have to step in.
Imagine the drama: an injured Woakes walking out, India’s bowlers steaming in, and the series hanging by a thread. It’s the kind of moment cricket fans live for.
And make no mistake — Rohit Sharma and his team will target Woakes. They know his injury is a weak spot. Expect bouncers, close-in fielders, and plenty of pressure.
England’s Approach: Risk vs. Reward
Bazball has been all about fearless cricket, but this situation is different. This is not about smashing boundaries; this is about survival and smart play.
If Woakes does bat, England will likely try to shield him by having Smith and Overton score most of the runs. But if it comes down to Woakes needing to face even a handful of deliveries, it will be a nerve-wracking watch for English fans.
India’s Killer Instinct
India knows that if they remove Smith and Overton early, they can force Woakes into the spotlight. With Prasidh Krishna firing on all cylinders and Jasprit Bumrah waiting to attack, India will be relentless.
They’ve fought too hard in this series to back down now. And with the crowd roaring behind them, you can bet they’ll throw everything they have at England.
Day 5 – The Ultimate Showdown
So, here we are. The stage is set. England needs 35 runs. India needs four wickets. And Chris Woakes might be the man who tips the balance.
Will Woakes turn into an unlikely hero? Or will India script a dramatic comeback to level the series? Either way, cricket fans are in for an unforgettable final day.
Grab your popcorn because this is going to be a thriller that will be remembered for years.
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Conclusion
At this point, there are no guarantees. We’ve seen Joe Root’s brilliance, Harry Brook’s record-breaking knock, and India’s late resurgence. But the real story now lies with one injured all-rounder.
If Chris Woakes takes the field and somehow survives, it could become one of cricket’s most iconic moments. If he doesn’t, India might just pull off one of their greatest escapes.
Either way, Day 5 will be cricket at its purest — tense, unpredictable, and utterly captivating.
