Woakes’ Grit: Last-Wicket Standoff to Decide India-England Series?
A shoulder injury sustained on the opening day of the ongoing Test match threatened to sideline England all-rounder Chris Woakes. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initially announced his withdrawal from the match.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Woakes engaged in one-handed batting practice at an indoor net on Sunday, August 3, 2025. He even donned his whites during the evening session, signaling a potential last-ditch effort.
With England needing a mere 35 runs for victory and India needing three or four wickets to draw the series, Woakes’ unexpected availability adds a dramatic twist. His decision to prepare for a possible number eleven batting slot keeps the series finale on a knife’s edge.
The outcome hinges on this tense final session; will Woakes’ resilience secure England a win, or will India’s bowlers snatch a series draw? This nail-biting conclusion underscores the unpredictable nature of Test cricket and its capacity to enthrall even the most seasoned cricket fans.
