LONDON: England all-rounder Chris Woakes said rehabilitation is a risk he is willing to take to be fit for the Ashes rather than undergoing surgery on the shoulder injury he sustained during last week’s fifth Test loss to India.

The 36-year-old Woakes is awaiting scan results after suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder on the opening day of the see-saw test at The Oval when he landed awkwardly trying to save a boundary.

Judging by the extent of the damage his options would be either surgery or rehabilitation to strengthen the shoulder. The first Ashes Test begins in Perth on November 21.

“I suppose... there will be a chance of a re-occurrence, but that could be a risk that you’re just willing to take,” Woakes told BBC Sport on Friday. “From what I’ve heard from physios and specialists is that the rehab of a surgery option would be closer to three to four months. That’s obviously touching on the Ashes and Australia so it makes it tricky.

“From a rehab point of view you can probably get it strong again within eight weeks. So that could be an option, but again obviously still waiting to get the full report on it.”

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2025