• Source:JND
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Ashes 2025-26: England pacer Chris Woakes, who dislocated his shoulder during the fifth test of the India-England series, is looking to prefer rehabilitation over surgery to get fit just in time for the marquee Ashes series down under. Interestingly, the first Ashes Test is scheduled to take place on November 21.

It is worth noting that the veteran pacer is awaiting results after undergoing scans, however has his hopes high for an eight-week rehab programme that could put him on track before the first Test in Perth.

"I'm waiting to see what the extent of the damage is but I think the options will be to have surgery or to go down a rehab route and try and get it as strong as possible," Woakes told BBC Sport.

"I suppose naturally with that there will be a chance of a reoccurrence, but I suppose that could be a risk that you're just willing to take sort of thing."

Also Read: Woakes reflects on thrilling Day 5 of Oval Test

Woakes, who had an average series against India, was ruled out of the series after he injured his shoulder while trying to save a boundary on the opening day of the fifth Test against India. The 36-year-old was forced to sit out rest of the test.

But despite withering in pain Woakes displayed remarkable bravery, coming out to bat with his left arm in a sling and tucked inside his sweater at the fall of the penultimate wicket with the Test tantalisingly placed.

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"From what I've heard from physios and specialists is that the rehab of a surgery option would be closer to four months or 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," he added.

Inputs from Agencies