The recent Test series between India and England saw injuries plague both teams. Rishabh Pant was forced out of the series due to an injury sustained during the fourth Test. England’s Chris Woakes, a seasoned fast bowler, also picked up an injury in the final Test, preventing him from bowling in the second innings. Considering the upcoming high-profile series against Australia, Woakes has made a surprising decision regarding his injury.
For Chris Woakes, the year 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. His shoulder injury, sustained during the fifth Test, has raised concerns about his participation in the Ashes 2025. However, he has chosen to undergo rehabilitation instead of surgery to potentially be ready for the Ashes series, which begins in Perth on November 21.
After the injury in the Oval Test, Woakes was scanned, and he is awaiting the report. The scan results will determine the severity of his injury and dictate the treatment plan. Woakes believes rehabilitation could expedite his recovery. He discussed his situation in an interview with BBC Sport, explaining his two options: surgery or rehabilitation.
Woakes told 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.’