Woakes Chooses Rehab, Eyes Ashes After Injury

England pacer Chris Woakes is opting for intensive rehabilitation rather than surgery for his dislocated shoulder, which he sustained during a fielding attempt in the fifth Test against India. Woakes returned to bat at No. 11 with his arm in a sling in England’s narrow six-run loss, a decision that has been widely praised for its bravery and sportsmanship. Surgery would keep him out for three to four months and likely rule him out of the Ashes series, while rehab offers an eight-week recovery window, though with some risk. Woakes expressed a strong sense of duty to his team, stating he would not have forgiven himself if he hadn't tried to help in the final moments. The England-India series ended 2-2, concluding the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Woakes is aiming to be fit for the Ashes, which begin in November 2025.