When Chris Woakes walked out to bat against India as England's last batsman, with the hosts needing 17 runs to win, the crowd at The Oval erupted in cheers, not just because he was their final hope for victory, but because he came out to bat with a dislocated shoulder.

Woakes sustained the injury while attempting to stop a ball from reaching the boundary on the first day of the Test. With his left arm in a sling, he did not come out to bat during England's first innings.

At the crucial moment in the second innings, Gus Atkinson was at the striker’s end when Woakes walked out to bat. England carefully managed the strike rotation to avoid exposing Woakes to the bowlers. Despite his injury, he supported Atkinson by running quick doubles and ensuring his partner retained the strike.

Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna tried everything in their arsenal to get Woakes on strike, but the England pair stood firm. It was a nail-biting finish that delivered a final-day thriller and an unforgettable experience for the fans. 

However, the duo could only manage to add 10 runs between them, all scored by Atkinson. When Mohammed Siraj dismissed Atkinson in the 85th over, with England needing just 7 more runs to win, Woakes stood at the non-striker’s end- helpless, yet having already played his part. His determination, despite the injury, was a poignant reminder of the spirit and beauty of the game.

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