England Seeks Series Win with Woakes Battling Shoulder Injury

Despite a serious shoulder injury sustained on the opening day of the fifth Test against India, England all-rounder Chris Woakes is determined to bat if required as England chase 35 runs to secure a 3-1 series win. Joe Root praised Woakes' commitment and character, emphasizing that Woakes is "all in" and ready to put his body on the line for the team, even though he remains in considerable pain and the injury is likely to rule him out of further Tests this summer and possibly the upcoming Ashes series. Root himself has been a key contributor with a century, helping England get close to their target, though his dismissal late on day four left the team needing to hold firm with four wickets in hand. The match has seen dramatic shifts, with India taking quick wickets late on day four before rain and bad light forced an early end to play. England remain favored to win, but the pressure is on their lower order, including Woakes, to see the team through a thrilling finish. Woakes' willingness to bat despite his injury is seen as emblematic of the physical and mental resolve both teams have displayed throughout this intense series.