England all-rounder Chris Woakes is ready to bat left-handed if required on the ultimate day of the fifth Take a look at in opposition to India. Woakes injured his shoulder whereas diving to save lots of a boundary on Day 1, and there have been questions over whether or not he would be capable to bat if wanted. However Joe Root confirmed after play on Day 4 that Woakes is keen to do no matter it takes to assist the group over the road. “He’s all in. If he has to bat left-handed, he’ll do it. That’s the form of character he’s,” stated Root. Root additionally drew a parallel with India’s Rishabh Pant, who earlier within the collection got here out to bat regardless of a critical leg harm. “We noticed Pant do one thing related. It reveals how a lot these video games imply to gamers,” Root added.

Pant had hobbled to the crease through the fourth Take a look at and batted with seen discomfort, exhibiting immense bravery. His braveness was praised by each teammates and opponents, and Root’s comparability underlined the respect such acts earn.

At stumps on Day 4, England have been 339 for six chasing 374. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton have been within the center. The brand new ball is due in simply 3.4 overs, and India nonetheless want 4 wickets to stage the collection. With rain within the air and circumstances set to favour the bowlers, Day 5 guarantees excessive drama. Whether or not Woakes is required or not, his willingness to stroll out injured reveals the spirit on this England facet.