Chris Woakes’ Brave Final Stand: Batting with Dislocated Shoulder Highlights Heroic England Exit

In one of the most astonishing moments in recent Test history, Chris Woakes walked out to bat at The Oval with a dislocated shoulder, determined to do whatever it took for England. What followed was a show of courage, grit, and possibly a final act in international cricket from one of England’s most selfless servants.

Just three days earlier, Woakes had been ruled out of “any further participation” in the fifth and final Test against India. But with England 17 runs away from a miraculous victory, he emerged onto the field, left arm tucked into a sling under his jumper, ready to face the music—wrong-handed and in obvious pain.

Though he didn’t end up facing a ball, Woakes stood at the non-striker’s end for 16 agonising minutes as Gus Atkinson tried to chase down the target. England ultimately fell six runs short, but Woakes' reappearance will remain etched in memory as an iconic moment of courage in English cricket.

Shoulder Injury and Last-Minute Preparation

Woakes is understood to have dislocated his shoulder on the opening day while diving in the field. With surgery likely and his summer already over, he faces a race against time to be fit for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.

In most sports, he would have been immediately ruled out. But in cricket, substitutions for injuries remain limited. By Sunday, Woakes was testing his limits at the indoor nets, trying to bat with both hands before resorting to a left-handed stance to keep his injured shoulder away from the ball.

He padded up with help from England physio Ben Davies, wearing two arm guards on his right arm and tucking his left arm inside his jumper for protection. On Monday morning, with the game hanging by a thread, he walked out.

In Visible Pain, Yet Unwavering

Despite not facing a ball, Woakes endured visible agony. After sneaking a bye, he struggled to fix his sling, needed umpire Ahsan Raza's help to put his glove back on, and grimaced with every movement. When Atkinson hit a couple of boundaries, Woakes ran hard but painfully, earning applause from the sold-out crowd.

Eventually, Mohammed Siraj bowled Atkinson to seal a six-run win for India. But their players quickly turned from celebration to admiration, going straight to Woakes to acknowledge his bravery.

A Symbol of Sacrifice

England coach Brendon McCullum praised Woakes, saying, “Good on Woakesy. He was in immense pain after that injury, but it was never in doubt that if needed, he would walk down those stairs.”

Captain Ben Stokes, also injured, summed it up: “We’ve had Rishabh Pant batting with a broken foot, Bash with a broken finger, and now Woakes with a dislocated shoulder... Everyone's left a lot out there for their countries.”

Future in Doubt?

At 36, and no longer part of England’s white-ball plans, Woakes' Test future is uncertain. If he misses the Ashes, this could well be the final time fans see him in England colours.

It would be a poignant but fitting farewell for a player who has consistently given everything in over 200 international matches—a man whose last stand was not with the ball in hand, but with one arm tied and his heart on full display.

Whether or not he returns, Chris Woakes' selfless act at The Oval will go down as one of the great examples of true sporting spirit—a reminder of what it means to play for your team, even in the face of pain and defeat.