England provide injury update on Woakes after shoulder issue

England are sweating on the bowling availability of Chris Woakes after he walked off injured late on day one of the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval.

The all-rounder had to leave the field having sustained a suspected shoulder injury while saving a ball hit to the boundary by Karun Nair at long-off.

Woakes landed awkwardly on his left shoulder during his fielding attempt, and was in visible pain before walking off the field with his left arm wrapped in his sweater.

Teammate Gus Atkinson provided an update on the fitness of Woakes at the end of the day's play and is hopeful the experienced right-armer has escaped serious injury.

"I don't know too much about it, but it doesn't look great," Atkinson said after India reached 204/6 at stumps on a rain-affected day on Thursday.

"It's a big shame, last game of the series, and when anyone gets injured, it's a shame. I'm hoping it's not too bad, and whatever it is, he'll get full support from everyone."

Woakes had bowled 14 overs so far in this Test, claiming the crucial wicket of KL Rahul, while conceding 46 runs.

His injury added to England’s growing list of concerns, with the team already missing several key players for the all-important final Test, including captain Ben Stokes.

Woakes' absence would leave England with an attack short of experience, with the rest of the attack having a combined 18 Test caps for England.

Atkinson collected two wickets from 19 overs on the opening day and indicated he was ready to step up with the ball over the remainder of the match should the team be without the services of Woakes.

"Definitely, I feel fresh, I feel good," Atkinson said.

"I know I've only got this one game to play so I can push the limits a bit."