Pacer Woakes weighs rehab gamble to be fit for Ashes

England all-rounder Chris Woakes says he may opt for rehabilitation over surgery on his shoulder injury, despite the risk of a recurrence, in a bid to be fit for the Ashes later this year.

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The 36-year-old sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder on the opening day of England's fifth-Test defeat to India at The Oval.

Although ruled out for the rest of the match, Woakes returned to bat at number II with his left arm in asling, as England chased a series-clinching win on a tense final morning. They ultimately fell six runs short, with the series ending 9-2.

“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.