England Suffer Massive Blow with Star All-rounder Doubtful for Ashes

England’s Ashes campaign has been plunged into uncertainty following a serious injury to Chris Woakes, the dependable all-rounder whose left shoulder dislocation threatens to rule him out of the iconic series against Australia later this year. Woakes is a key member of England's bowling attack and their most experienced as well.

However, the veteran is likely to miss this winter’s Ashes after suffering a dislocated shoulder during the fifth Test against India at The Oval. As a result, he was ruled out of the ongoing Test match against India after going off the field during India's first innings. But the turned out to be a big blow for the Three Lions as Woakes is likely to remain out of England's Ashes squad as well.

How did Chris Woakes Injury Happen?

The injury occurred during the opening day of the fifth Test against India at The Oval. Woakes, age 36, ran after a ball towards long-off after Karun Nair had played a sublime drive down the ground. Woakes landed awkwardly on his shoulder while trying to stop the boundary. He managed to stop it but instantly went down clutching his arm in pain.

Medical staff rushed to his aid, eventually supporting him from the field with his arm in a makeshift sling. Overnight assessments confirmed the worst: not only was Woakes out of the remainder of the Test, but the prospect of him featuring in the Ashes this winter has become highly doubtful.

Initial reports from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) indicated that the injury was severe. “England seamer Chris Woakes will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the Rothesay Fifth Test. At this stage, the injury has ruled him out of any further participation," the ECB stated.

Is This the End of Chris Woakes Ashes Campaign?

Woakes’ absence significantly weakens England’s bowling resources, particularly given his experience, skill under Australian conditions, and ability to contribute with the bat. With Chris Woakes Ashes campaign in serious doubt, the attention turns to younger seamers like Sam Cook and Matthew Potts, who may now be in contention for a call-up.

Sources close to the England camp revealed about deeper concerns. The dislocation may require surgery, potentially sidelining Woakes for up to six months a timeline that would make it impossible for him to recover ahead of the Ashes. Even in a best-case scenario, rehabilitation for such an injury is lengthy and complex, especially for a fast bowler who relies on his shoulders for swing and control.

Woakes' high skill and experience also makes him different from the other England bowlers. He has been in and out of the side since the last decade and has also played alongside the likes of one of the best swing bowlers of all time, James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Since the retirements of these veterans, Woakes has emerged into the leader of this bowling attack and has constantly taken the new ball.

Chris Woakes Performance in IND vs ENG Test Series 2025

The ongoing series between India and England hasn't gone well for Chris Woakes. He picked up 11 wickets in 5 Tests at an average of 52.18 with the best of 3-84. On pitches which are quite flat, Woakes has been challenged and the Indian batters have been mostly all over him.

He is also the third-most successful bowler for England in this series, after Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue. Stokes showed in this series why he is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world. Meanwhile, England will be without their premier quick in this Test match, which will hurt them. In Woakes' absence, the other English bowlers need to step up for their team.