Cricketer Woakes considered prioritizing rehabilitation over surgery as a means to recover in time for the Ashes competition
Chris Woakes' Shoulder Injury Affects Ashes Participation
England all-rounder Chris Woakes is facing an uncertain future in the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, as he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained during the fifth test against India at The Oval in August 2025.
Woakes was forced to leave the field after attempting to save a boundary on the opening day of the test. He battled through the pain, returning to the batting lineup at number 11 with 17 runs still needed for England. Despite his bravery, India won the test by a margin of six runs, leveling the series at 2-2.
The injury has left Woakes in a difficult position. He is currently consulting with physios and specialists about his injury and potential treatment options. Initially, Woakes considered surgery, which would have required a recovery time of around three to four months. However, he is now considering rehabilitation instead, which he estimates would take around eight weeks. This potential timeline could see him missing the Ashes series, which begins on November 21 in Perth.
Woakes has downplayed the praise for his efforts during the test, stating that anyone else in the dressing room would have done the same. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to try and help the team, despite the outcome.
If Woakes decides to go ahead with rehabilitation, he may risk a re-occurrence of the injury. However, he is willing to take that risk to potentially return for the Ashes. If he opts for surgery, his recovery time would be longer, and he would likely miss the entire series.
The Ashes series is a highly anticipated event, and Woakes' absence would be a significant blow to England's chances. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Woakes' injury develops and whether he will be able to recover in time to participate in the series.
Sources:
- ESPN Cricinfo
- Cricket.com.au
- Cricbuzz
- Sky Sports
- The Guardian
The injury to Chris Woakes' shoulder has placed him in a precarious situation for the upcoming Ashes series, as he weighs the risk of rehabilitation against the extended recovery time needed for surgery. If he opts for rehabilitation, there is a potential risk of a re-occurrence; however, this approach would enable him to potentially join the series later in its run. On the other hand, surgery would ensure a longer recovery, possibly ruling him out of the Ashes entirely.
