Overview

• Woakes dislocated his left shoulder diving on day one of the fifth Test at The Oval and was ruled out of bowling but still walked out to bat in a sling as England lost by six runs.
• Two weeks after the injury he has removed his arm sling and reports significantly improved movement in the injured shoulder.
• He has chosen rehabilitation over immediate surgery, targeting an eight-week recovery instead of a three- to four-month post-surgery layoff.
• The decision is driven by his goal to remain in contention for England’s Ashes tour in Australia, which begins on November 21.
• England’s seam resources have been reshaped by the retirements of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, making Woakes’ fitness a pivotal factor in the touring attack.