England all-rounder Chris Woakes says he is still coming to terms with the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on a “fairytale” series win after India clinched the fifth and final Test at The Oval by just six runs.
The result saw India level the five-match series 2-2 in a dramatic finale that will be remembered as one of the all-time great Test contests. Woakes, 36, was at the centre of the drama when he returned to the crease with his left arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder earlier in the match, in a last-ditch effort to see England over the line.
“I’m still gutted, devastated really, that we couldn’t get the fairytale,” Woakes told The Guardian. “But I never considered not going out there, even if it had been 100 runs still to win. It’s your duty to the team, your teammates, and everyone watching.”
The injury occurred on the opening day when Woakes landed awkwardly while attempting to save a boundary. Despite the obvious pain, he insisted he had no regrets. “We chase down every run,” he said. “As a bowler, you respect when fielders save runs for you, so you do the same for them. In a match decided by six runs, it shows how much those moments matter.”
When Woakes emerged for his final stand, The Oval crowd rose to their feet in applause. Indian players also showed their respect, with several approaching him at the crease. “It was nice to have the ovation and the respect from the Indian players,” Woakes said. “But any other player would have done the same.”
In the end, he did not face a ball, as partner Gus Atkinson was bowled by Mohammed Siraj to seal India’s victory. Woakes admitted the loss still stings but said he was proud of the team’s fight throughout the series.
The thrilling finale capped a see-saw contest between two evenly matched sides, with both teams producing moments of brilliance. For Woakes, the memory will be bittersweet — a display of courage and commitment overshadowed by the narrowest of defeats.
