IND vs ENG 5th Test: From Chris Woakes to Malcolm Marshall - When cricketers defied injuries for their teams
Chris Woakes
became the latest name in a long list of cricketers who chose to bat while carrying injuries, displaying immense courage and commitment during the final day of the fifth Test between India and England at The Oval.
Woakes, who injured his shoulder while diving in the field on Day 1, was seen grimacing in pain but walked out to bat for England as they chased a tricky target. England star Joe Root confirmed the plan in his post-match press conference: 'He's all in. If he has to bat left-handed, he will. That's how much this series means to him and to all of us.'
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Woakes' determination echoed
Rishabh Pant
's own gutsy outing earlier in the series. Pant, walked out to bat with heavy strapping on his leg.
Despite being visibly in pain, he managed to hold one end and kept India in the fight.
Over the years, cricket has seen several such moments of pure heart and fight. In 2009, South African captain
Graeme Smith
came out to bat at number eleven with a broken left hand during the Sydney Test. Though Australia won the match, Smith's 17-ball effort was hailed as heroic.
Malcolm Marshall
's 1984 performance at Headingley remains iconic. After fracturing his left thumb while fielding, he not only returned to bat one-handed to support Larry Gomes' century but also claimed 7 for 53 in the next innings to help West Indies dominate the match.
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In the 2023 Ashes at Lord's,
Nathan Lyon
came out to bat despite a torn right calf and needing crutches to move. Lyon batted for 13 deliveries and even scored 4 runs, drawing a standing ovation for his spirit.
Poll
Do you believe Chris Woakes' performance will be remembered in cricket history?
Definitely, it's a significant moment.
Not really, there are more memorable moments.
In domestic cricket, Hanuma Vihari batted left-handed for Andhra in a Ranji Trophy quarter-final after fracturing his forearm. Facing Avesh Khan's pace, he scored 11 gritty runs and returned again in the second innings to do the same, earning widespread admiration.
Saleem Malik of Paistan also returned to bat with a broken arm in 1986 against the West Indies. After initially retiring hurt, he resumed batting left-handed before switching back to his natural right-handed stance, helping his team survive a collapse.
Perhaps the most emotionally charged knock came from Gordon Greenidge, who overcame a leg injury and personal anguish to score 214 not out at Lord's in 1984, helping West Indies chase down 342.
Chris Woakes' brave appearance at The Oval now finds a home among these stories. It may not show in the stats, but his decision to put his body on the line in England's most important Test of the summer will be remembered as a moment of true grit.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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