England's experienced pace bowler Chris Woakes will miss the winter's Ashes tour following a serious shoulder injury sustained during Thursday's Test match against India.
The 36-year-old dislocated his left shoulder whilst fielding and faces an extended rehabilitation period of approximately six months.
The incident happened as Woakes pursued a boundary-saving opportunity during Thursday's play.
Whilst attempting to prevent a four from a Karun Nair drive at the long-off boundary, the seamer successfully deflected the ball from the rope but suffered the injury when using his left hand to cushion his fall.
Chris Woakes is set to be out for six months, meaning he will miss the Ashes
|Reuters
The bowler showed immediate signs of distress, holding his shoulder whilst receiving on-field treatment from physiotherapist Ben Davies before leaving the field.
Fellow pace bowler Gus Atkinson, who claimed five wickets during India's innings of 224, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating: "It doesn't look great."
The ECB confirmed Woakes would remain under observation for the duration of the current match.
JUST IN: World Aquatics Championships considering rule change after Chinese swimmer, 12, wins bronze medal
Woakes' selection for Australia had been subject to considerable discussion due to his modest returns in overseas conditions. His away Test record shows 44 wickets at an average of 48.93, whilst his performances in previous Ashes tours have yielded just 16 wickets at 51.68 runs each.
Despite these statistics, the seamer had seemingly convinced team management of his value and maintained his place throughout the India series.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton makes emotional admission ahead of Hungarian Grand Prix
Chris Woakes had been laying well during the Test matches
|Reuters
His experience and ability with the pink ball had positioned him as a likely selection for the day-night Test in Brisbane, scheduled for December 4, according to the Daily Mail.
England's preference for genuine pace in Australian conditions had already raised questions about his inclusion, though his recent form suggested he remained in contention.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The injury represents a significant setback for England's bowling resources in an already challenging series. Woakes' absence leaves the team without one of their most experienced seamers at a crucial juncture, having taken a 2-1 lead over Shubman Gill's India.
Questions have emerged regarding the wisdom of such wholehearted fielding efforts, particularly for a frontline bowler. However, this level of commitment reflects the fielding standards demanded under Brendon McCullum's coaching philosophy.
Ben Stokes also had to retire from the Test with injury
|Getty
The timing proves especially cruel for Woakes, who stands just eight wickets short of joining an elite group of 18 Englishmen to reach 200 Test wickets.
His enforced absence means any return to international cricket cannot occur before 2026.