Chris Woakes RULED OUT of the Ashes in major blow to England after dislocating his shoulder in fifth Test against India
The 36-year-old was hurt after chasing a Karun Nair drive to the long-off boundary, flicking the ball away from the rope to stop the four, but jarring the joint as he broke his fall with his left hand.
Mail Sport understands medics struggled to pop the shoulder back into place as they assessed the injury post play and the damage is more extensive than first feared.
In a cruel blow, it is estimated he will be sidelined for up to six months, ruling out his selection in the five-Test series in Australia, starting on November 21 in Perth.
The selection of Woakes in England's squad has been a long-standing debate, given his underwhelming record in overseas Tests, but he appeared to have won over the management on that front and has been an ever present in this ongoing series against the Indians.
An ECB statement said that the Warwickshire seamer 'will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder' of this match, but with his chances of one final swansong down under against the Australians now scuppered, he will not return to the field until 2026.
Woakes' injury was a blow to an already-depleted England's chances of transforming a 2-1 lead over Shubman Gill's side into a series win.
He immediately clutched his shoulder in agony and received treatment from physio Ben Davies, who he left the field alongside.
'It doesn't look great,' admitted England's other opening bowler, Gus Atkinson, whose five wickets wrapped up India's innings for 224 on the second morning.
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