Chris Woakes showed extraordinary courage as he stepped up the crease one-handed against India on Monday, having suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the Test.
Despite his obvious agony with every movement, Woakes refused to abandon his team-mates when they needed him most as the tourists won to level the series.
His willingness to face potential danger from fast bowling whilst severely compromised demonstrated remarkable bravery, with England cricket fans left astonished as a result.
Though he ultimately didn't face a delivery, his presence at the crease embodied the spirit England required to secure their triumph.
Chris Woakes showed tremendous grit to step up to the crease
|Reuters
Joe Root revealed the extent of Woakes' dedication before play commenced, stating: "He's all in, like the rest of us. It's been that kind of series where guys have had to put bodies on the line."
The England captain emphasised how much the moment meant to his team-mate, while revealing what was said beforehand.
"He's in a huge amount of pain but it means a huge amount to him. He said if he didn't go out, he wouldn't have been able to forgive himself," Root explained.
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"It just shows the character and the person that he is - that he's ready to put his body on the line."
Former England captain Nasser Hussain highlighted the remarkable respect displayed by Indian players as Woakes made his way to the crease.
"As Woakes walked out, three or four of the India players patted him on the shoulder," Hussain observed.
"Luckily the right shoulder, not the left. I know a few who would have gone and touched the dodgy shoulder!
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Joe Root spoke about the character of his teammate
|Reuters
"As was the case with Rishabh Pant, once you're out there it's open season. If you're going to go out there and get runs, you're in the firing line - you're going to get bouncers and people aiming at you."
The former captain also noted Woakes' visible suffering throughout.
"Every single run he took, he was in agony," he said.
"He didn't end up facing a delivery but as Joe Root said, he would have been distraught if he didn't go out there. He will never, ever let England down and he certainly didn't today."
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England head coach Brendon McCullum also commended Woakes' extraordinary display of courage.
"Good on Woakesy for walking out there," McCullum said. "It is unbelievably brave but it sums up Woakesy.
"To push himself out there with one arm to get us over the line shows the type of bloke he is," McCullum stated.
Brendan McCullum has nothing but praise for Chris Woakes after the Test
|Getty
Regarding the severity of Woakes' condition, McCullum provided a cautious update.
"He is sore. We'll get some more information in the coming days but we hope it's not going to be too long a lay-off," he explained.
Though England were unable to reign supreme, their performances bode well ahead of the Ashes later in the year.