During the recent Test series between India and England, injuries affected several players. Rishabh Pant had to withdraw from the series due to an injury in the fourth Test. England’s experienced pace bowler, Chris Woakes, also sustained an injury in the final Test, which prevented him from bowling in the second innings. In a surprising move, Chris Woakes has made a decision regarding his injury, keeping the high-stakes series against Australia in mind.
For England’s seasoned fast bowler, Chris Woakes, 2025 presents both trials and opportunities. The shoulder injury he sustained during the fifth Test has raised concerns about his preparations for the Ashes 2025. However, he has chosen to pursue rehabilitation over surgery, aiming to be fit for the Ashes series, beginning in Perth on November 21.
After his injury in the Oval Test, he was scanned, and he awaits the report. The scan results will determine the severity of his injury and the course of treatment. Woakes believes he can recover quickly through rehabilitation. Woakes discussed his situation with BBC Sport, explaining that his options were surgery or rehabilitation.
Woakes stated to BBC Sport, ‘I am waiting to see how bad it is but I think the options might be surgery or rehab. I guess it could be something that could potentially flare up again but I feel like it might be a risk you’re willing to take. From what I have heard from the physios and the specialists, surgery would be four months, three to four months to be fit again. Obviously, with the Ashes and Australia, that makes it difficult. Rehab would be eight weeks, so that might be an option, but I’ll make any decision after the report comes back.’