 "Root cites Pant's bravery when asked whether Chris Woakes will bat for ENG on Day 5 at The Oval: 'He is in pain but..'")
After rain halted the play on Day 4 of the Oval Test, the action now moves to Day 5, where a thrilling conclusion is set to unfold. England will resume proceedings needing another 35 runs to win the match and clinch the series 3-1. India on the other hand, will aim to steal the victory by taking the remaining wickets. However, the question that has arisen ahead of the fifth and final day is: How many wickets does Team India need to take?
Given that England have lost six wickets at the score of 339 , India need to take four more wickets. But then Chris Woakes is injured and did not bat in the first innings. Thus, that makes it three wickets. Not quite!
Joe Root provides update on Chris Woakes
The suspense thickens as Joe Root has provided a massive update on Woakes and addressed the query regarding whether the pacer will come out to bat or not, if needed. Notably, Woakes sustained a nasty blow to the shoulder on Day 1 of the 5th Test and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Root, nevertheless, has come up with a contradictory statement.
Citing the example of Rishabh Pant, who made a heroic return to the crease in the fourth Test in Manchester after suffering a toe fracture, Root stated that Woakes is ready and will hold the bat for England if the situation calls for it.
"Chris Woakes in a huge amount of pain but we have seen this series - Pant batting with a broken foot, Woakes is ready to put body on the line for England". Root said after the end of the day’s play.
Considering the visuals that came out on Day 4 of Woakes, he does not look in the right state to bat for England. But the passion to win could wane the pain.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsLook who's in his whites in the dressing room 👀 pic.twitter.com/YQPaVhDYhv
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 3, 2025
In another case, Root’s statement could be a mind game as well. He might want to disseminate the message to the Indian bowlers that they will have to dig deep in order to take the win.
With all to look forward to, the series is set to have a thrilling climax. It will be intriguing to see who comes out on top on Day 5.
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