Cricket

Injured England star hasn't given up on Ashes dream

By AAP Newswire

Aug 9, 2025

England bowler Chris Woakes has not given up on his Ashes hopes after he revealed rehabilitation rather than surgery on his dislocated shoulder is being considered.

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Woakes produced an astonishing display of bravery in England's six-run loss to India in the fifth Test earlier this week when he decided to bat at No.11 with his arm in a sling after dislocating his left shoulder on the first day of the match.

The 36-year-old has had a scan on his shoulder and while still waiting to receive the results, he's hopeful an eight-week period of rehabilitation could be enough to ensure he features in the Ashes, which get under way on November 21.

"I'm waiting to see what the extent of the damage is but I think the options will be to have surgery or to go down a rehab route and try and get it as strong as possible," Woakes told BBC Sport.

"Naturally with that there will be a chance of a reoccurrence, but I suppose that could be a risk that you're just willing to take.

"What I've heard from physios and specialists is that the rehab of a surgery option would be closer to four months, or three to four months. That's obviously touching on the Ashes, so it makes it tricky.

"From a rehab point of view you can probably get it get it strong again within eight weeks. So that could be an option, but again I'm obviously still waiting to get the full report on it."

Woakes is the most experienced member of England's bowling unit after the retirement of Stuart Broad two summers ago and the decision to move on from record-wicket taker James Anderson in 2024.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press