India, Aug. 5 -- A mini collapse on the fourth evening forced England to reveal that Chris Woakes, who had dislocated his shoulder while fielding in the first innings of the fifth Test against India, was preparing to bat if required. Mohammed Siraj's fiery spell on the final morning brought Woakes down the Oval staircase, wearing a sling on his right arm tucked into his pullover, as he walked in to bat left-handed after England lost their ninth wicket with 17 runs still needed.

Woakes received a hero's welcome from the London crowd and played the non-striker's role while Gus Atkinson tried to see England through. In a brief stand of 10 runs off 13 balls, Woakes winced in pain as he hobbled between the wickets for four singles-two of them...