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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Simon Burnton at the Kia Oval

Woakes ‘ready to bat if needed’ says Root as England put bodies on line to seal victory

Chris Woakes is led off the pitch on day one of the fifth Test against India
Chris Woakes was led off injured on day one of the fifth Test against India. Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA

Chris Woakes is poised to slip his left arm out of its sling and return to action just four days after a ­serious shoulder injury as England, with four wickets in hand, seek the 35 runs required to seal the final Test against India and with it the series.

The scans on the shoulder Woakes injured on the opening day may have suggested he would be out of action for many months, but the 36-year-old is preparing himself to bat if required.

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