England all-rounder Chris Woakes made a brave decision to bat during the final moments of the fifth Test against India, despite suffering a dislocated shoulder just days before. Woakes, who was officially ruled out of the Test match, faced a dilemma: he could either stay off the field, allowing India to win, or take the risk and attempt to save the match for England. With just 17 runs needed and one wicket in hand, Woakes chose the latter, putting his body on the line for his team.
Despite his courageous act, Woakes admitted that a part of him was relieved he didn’t have to face the 90mph bouncers from India’s pace duo, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. “Thank God I didn’t have to face a 90mph bouncer, one-handed, facing the wrong way around,” Woakes said, acknowledging the immense challenge he would have faced with his left arm still in a sling.
Woakes’ Daring Act: A Brave Stint on the Field
Woakes’ decision to bat on Day 5 was a dramatic one. England needed 35 runs with four wickets in hand, and Woakes walked to the crease despite knowing he would have to endure some brutal deliveries. He managed to run a couple of singles and even a double to keep the strike alive, despite the obvious pain he was enduring. The crowd at The Oval gave him a standing ovation for his bravery, as he limped through each run, with his grimace narrating the struggle he was facing.
Woakes’ partnership with Gus Atkinson added 10 valuable runs, bringing England closer to the win. However, India’s Mohammed Siraj had other plans, dismissing Atkinson with a yorker to seal the victory for India. Despite not facing a ball himself, Woakes was instrumental in keeping England’s hopes alive until the final moments.
Woakes Reflects on the ‘Bittersweet’ Feeling of Not Batting
Looking back, Woakes described the experience as bittersweet. “Part of me wondered what it might be like, to see if I could have defended the ball, squeezed a run, or carved a four. But the other side of it was: ‘Thank God I didn’t face a 90mph bouncer, one-handed,’” Woakes reflected in an interview with The Guardian. The England cricketer also expressed his anxiety about being “exposed” on the field, knowing how dangerous it could have been with the pacers firing bouncers at him.
Woakes had initially offered to bat in England’s first innings, even approaching head coach Brendon McCullum to ask if he could go out to bat. McCullum, wisely, ruled that out, saying, “No chance, boss,” and advised Woakes to focus on the later stages of the match.
Though the series ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, Woakes’ courage and determination have earned him the respect of cricket fans worldwide. His decision to step onto the field despite his injury was a testament to his grit and commitment to his team.
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