Ashes 2025: Chris Woakes provides positive injury update after shoulder dislocation vs India

Chris Woakes has offered a boost to England fans as he revealed that his shoulder injury is healing quicker than he first thought.

The 36-year-old picked up the problem while fielding in the final Test against India earlier this month that forced him out of the rest of the match.

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

Now, just two weeks later, while speaking to Sky Sports during The Hundred, Woakes has given an positive update on his injury. Let's see what he had to say.

Chris Woakes provides positive injury update

Woakes said that he is already moving his shoulder more freely and has ditched the arm sling. The England star admitted there is still a long way to go, but things are moving in the right direction.

“Certainly good news for me. That's the best way to look at it. Obviously out of the sling and feel like I can move it a lot better now which is good two weeks down the line, Woakes told Sky Sports.

“I suppose once you get a little bit more movement into it, feels little bit more normal. But still a lot of work to do,” he added.

"Certainly good news for me" 💪

Chris Woakes gives an injury update with his arm now out of a sling 👀 pic.twitter.com/oEE9OFBSeS

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 14, 2025

MORE: Asia Cup 2025: Complete schedule, dates, venues and teams

What did Chris Woakes say about avoiding surgery?

The Warwickshire pacer explained that he is hoping to strengthen the shoulder enough through rehab to avoid surgery altogether.

He added that for now, the plan is to focus on building strength rather than going under the knife, though that decision will depend on how the recovery progresses.

“Going to try and (stay) focused on the rehab and get it as strong as possible. Ideally not for surgery for now but we'll see how that goes and hopefully we can get it nice and strong again,” he concluded.

More: Yuvraj Singh’s 6 sixes or Dhoni’s WC Final six? Ravi Shastri picks his favourite moment as commentator

England’s next big red-ball assignment is the Ashes in Australia, starting November 21 in Brisbane. With five Tests packed into the series, having Woakes fit would be a major boost, especially given his all-round abilities.