England suffered a major setback on Friday, August 1, 2025, after pacer Chris Woakes was ruled out of the ongoing fifth and final Test against India due to a suspected dislocated shoulder. The injury occurred late on Day 1 when Woakes landed awkwardly on his left shoulder while trying to save a boundary hit by Karun Nair at long-off. He appeared to be in significant pain and left the field with his left arm supported inside his sweater.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the injury, stating that Woakes would be monitored throughout the remainder of the Test at The Kia Oval but will not take further part in the match. A final assessment of his condition will be conducted after the series ends.

Gus Atkinson, Woakes' teammate, acknowledged the seriousness of the injury, saying it didn’t look promising. "It’s really unfortunate, especially in the last match of the series. We’re all hoping it’s not too serious and that he gets all the support he needs," Atkinson said.

Before the injury, Woakes had delivered a solid performance, bowling 14 overs and dismissing KL Rahul while conceding 46 runs. His absence further weakens an already depleted England side missing several key players, including captain Ben Stokes.

Atkinson, who took two wickets from his 19 overs on Day 1, expressed readiness to shoulder more responsibility. "I feel good, and since it’s my only game in the series, I can really give it everything," he said.

England currently leads the five-match series 2-1.