Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Aug 4: England batter Joe Root confirmed that all-rounder Chris Woakes, despite a shoulder injury, is willing to bat if required on the final day of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval. With just 35 runs to win and four wickets in hand, England eye a historic chase, while India hopes for a last-day miracle.

“Chris Woakes is in a huge amount of pain. But we’ve seen this series – like Rishabh Pant batting with a broken foot – Woakes is ready to put his body on the line for England,” Root said at the press conference on Sunday.

Woakes, who injured his shoulder while fielding on Day 1, has not taken further part in the match. But the tense finale could see him padded up if the situation demands.

The Oval Test – like every match in this gripping five-Test series – is headed to a dramatic fifth day, thanks to rain and poor light truncating play on Day 4. England, chasing a massive 374, were on course for their second-highest successful chase ever after Joe Root’s sublime 105 and Harry Brook’s explosive 111 powered a counter-attacking 195-run stand.

But India struck back through Prasidh Krishna, removing both Root and Jacob Bethell in quick succession, leaving England at 339/6. Seam-friendly overcast conditions helped India tighten the grip, troubling Jamie Smith (2*) and Jamie Overton (0*) before rain ended play prematurely.

Woakes, seen in whites with his arm in a sling, remained on standby in the dressing room as England gears up for a nail-biting finish. The result will decide whether the series ends 3-1 in England’s favour or ends level at 2-2.