Chris Woakes faces a race against time for Ashes 2025 after injuring his shoulder in the India Test. England must decide between surgery or a risky rehab.
Chris Woakes’ Ashes fitness has suddenly become a major headache for the England cricket team. One awkward dive at The Oval, a shoulder that refuses to settle, and the countdown to Perth on November 21 just got a lot more complicated.
The England all-rounder injured his left shoulder on day one of the fifth Test against India — the very match meant to decide the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. From the press box whispers, it looked like a dislocation. Woakes hasn’t had official confirmation yet, but his choice is painfully clear: go under the knife and risk missing the Ashes opener, or gamble on a fast-track rehab.
Surgery would sideline him for three to four months, which leaves him brushing right up against Ashes 2025. Opting for rehab could see him back in eight weeks, but with the risk of the shoulder giving way again in the heat of England vs Australia battle.
“I’m waiting to see the extent of the damage,” Woakes told BBC Sport during a treatment break. “Surgery would put me right up against the Ashes. Rehab could be quicker, but there’s a chance it happens again. That’s the risk you take.”
Despite the pain, Woakes returned to the field at the Oval. On the final day, England needed just 17 runs with one wicket in hand. Batting at number 11, with his arm tightly strapped, Woakes ran four singles off Gus Atkinson. His legs did the work his left arm couldn’t. England fell six runs short, handing India a 2–2 series draw, but the grit left a mark on the crowd.
“In my eyes, it was never a question,” he said. “Anyone in that dressing room would have done it. You do what’s best for your team.”
The England cricket team know the value of Woakes beyond the scorecard — steady seam bowling, handy lower-order runs, and a knack for delivering in big moments. In Australia, where the Kookaburra ball offers little after 15 overs, his accuracy becomes a priceless asset.
If rehab works, Woakes could stride into Perth with both shoulder and point to prove. If it doesn’t, Ben Stokes may be forced to rethink his bowling blueprint before Ashes 2025 has even begun.
