England's wounded warrior Chris Woakes has declared himself available to bat with his dislocated shoulder strapped in a sling as the hosts prepare for a dramatic finale against India at The Oval on Monday morning.
The 36-year-old seamer suffered severe damage to his left shoulder whilst fielding on Friday evening and was subsequently withdrawn from the match the following day.
Despite experiencing significant discomfort, Woakes has been practising in the nets and remains determined to contribute if called upon as England's final recognised batsman.
The fifth Test hangs delicately in the balance after Sunday's rain-affected fourth day concluded with England requiring 35 runs for victory whilst India need four wickets to level the series at 2-2.
Chris Woakes left the field in agony just days ago
| ReutersJoe Root praised the all-rounder's determination to take the field despite his injury, highlighting the team spirit within the England camp.
"You probably saw him in his whites in the dressing room. He's all in, like the rest of us," Root revealed.
The former England captain emphasised Woakes's commitment to the cause, noting the considerable pain he continues to endure.
"Clearly, he's in a huge amount of pain. But it means a huge amount to him and it just shows the character and the person that he is, that he's willing to put his body on the line like that for England," Root stated.
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Joe Root said that teammate Chris Woakes was 'ready to put his body on the line'
| ReutersThe veteran seamer has been taking throw downs in preparation for a potential appearance, with Root expressing hope that Woakes could help secure victory if circumstances demand his presence at the crease.
The match situation remains tantalising after an enthralling fourth day saw England reach 339 for six in pursuit of 374.
The hosts appeared to be coasting towards victory at 301 for three shortly before tea, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose three quick wickets in the evening session.
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Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton were at the crease when heavy rain brought proceedings to a premature halt at 5.30pm, leaving the contest perfectly poised for Monday's conclusion.
Should England lose their remaining recognised batsmen, Woakes would need to make his way to the middle with his left arm immobilised.
The series-deciding Test has followed the pattern of the previous four matches, with all extending into the final day and producing nail-biting finishes.
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England's Test against India still remains in the balance
| GettyMagnificent centuries from Root and Harry Brook had positioned England within touching distance of a remarkable victory in pursuit of 374.
The Yorkshire duo constructed a partnership worth 195 runs after England had slumped to 106 for three, with Brook racing to 111 from merely 98 deliveries.
Brook's innings concluded when he flung his bat at a delivery from Akash Deep and was pouched by Mohammed Siraj, the same fielder who had earlier tumbled over the boundary rope after attempting to catch Brook on 19.
Root reached his 39th Test hundred with a clip for two off Deep, marking the achievement by wearing a charity headband honouring the late Graham Thorpe.
The former captain departed for 105 when he nicked Prasidh Krishna to the wicketkeeper, whilst Jacob Bethell fell cheaply for five, attempting an ill-judged slog at Krishna.