Chris Woakes sustains worrying shoulder injury as England enjoy dominant day against India

With Chris Woakes potentially missing the rest of the Test due to injury, punters may want to bet against England's bowling strength in the remaining matches, particularly focusing on India's batting resilience in the current series.

England's day was marred by an injury to Chris Woakes, who hurt his shoulder badly while fielding at long off. He walked off the field with his arm in a makeshift sling, raising concerns among his teammates.

Until that point, England had enjoyed a productive time on a day disrupted by rain, with only 64 overs possible. They had no hesitation in bowling first, as India lost their 15th consecutive toss in the humid conditions under overcast skies.

Bowling from the Pavilion End posed problems for the Indian batters, as seam and swing were available to both Gus Atkinson and Woakes. However, bowling from the OCS End proved troublesome, with the footholds affecting bowlers' performances.

Atkinson claimed the first wicket, pinning Yashwal Jaiswal plumb in front for 2 on review. This continued a strange series for the left-handed opener, whose returns have varied greatly. KL Rahul (14) appeared to settle in well until a probing spell from Atkinson led to Woakes inducing an inside edge to the stumps.

This brought in-form Shubman Gill to the crease at a crucial time for England, just 16 overs into the innings. He and Sai Sudharsen saw off the fast bowlers until an early rain shower interrupted the session with India at 72/2. Gill fell shortly after in a brief 25-minute session before tea, run out for 21 in a mix-up with his captain.

The tea break came early, followed by a lengthy evening session where India tried to regain their footing. England struck again quickly after tea, dismissing Sudharsen for 38 and Ravindra Jadeja for 9, both caught behind off Josh Tongue's bowling.

As Dhruv Jurel sliced a catch into the slips for 19 from Atkinson, it appeared India might be bowled out for less than 200 runs. Fortunately for them, Washington Sundar (19) and Karun Nair (52) contributed, guiding India to 204/6 by stumps, while England looked deflated after Woakes' injury.

An injury to Chris Woakes marred an otherwise fantastic day for England as India's batters struggled at the Oval.Woakes hurt his shoulder badly while

Talksport