Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Malik Ouzia

The Ashes: England assess Chris Woakes fitness ahead of Fifth Test

England are assessing the fitness of Chris Woakes as attentions turn towards this week's Fifth Ashes Test at the Oval.

Australia retained the Urn following the weekend's washout draw, with England now looking to hit back and level the series, which would deny the tourists a first away Ashes win since 2001.

Woakes has been superb since coming into the side for the Third Test victory at Headingley, taking 12 wickets in two matches, including his first Ashes five-for in the first innings at Old Trafford last week.

However, the 34-year-old said he was "extremely sore" following the game in Leeds, which was his first Test in more than a year, and spent time off the field during Australia's second innings in Manchester, leaving him a doubt for this week.

England have tended to name their teams two days out from Tests in this series but, barring a late change of heart, were expected to delay that decision until tomorrow, with a number of players skipping this morning's practice at the Oval to focus on recovery.

Australia are expected to make at least one change, with spinner Todd Murphy set for a recall. Murphy was left out at Old Trafford as the tourists went with an all-seam attack but that tactic was in part a response to the weather forecast and the fact that a draw in a shortened contest would be enough to retain the Urn.

The 22-year-old's return would mean one of Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh being left out of the side. Green is the more likely to be axed after a series of middling returns, but while Marsh is in excellent form with the bat, there are concerns over his fitness to bowl.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.