Joe Root backs Chris Woakes to bat through pain for England if required - despite facing months on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder

Joe Root insisted on Sunday night that Chris Woakes is ready to put his body on the line if he is needed to bat for England.

Woakes suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder when fielding on day one but the all-rounder was seen with his whites on while wearing a sling on his left shoulder and batted in the indoor nets at The Oval.

‘You saw him in his whites. He’s all in like the rest of us. It’s been that kind of series where guys have had to put bodies on the line,’ said Root. ‘Hopefully it doesn’t get to that but he had some throwdowns and he’s ready if needed,’ Root added.

Woakes is a right-handed batter but Root stopped short of confirming what hand the 36-year-old will bat with, if he is required.

‘I’m not sure. I’ve not seen him practise. You’ll get a better indication in the morning if he has some throwdowns,’ said Root. 

‘Clearly he’s in a huge amount of pain. As we’ve seen from other guys in the series like Rishabh Pant batting with a broken foot, guys have taken all sorts of blows here and there. But it means a huge amount to him (Woakes) and it shows the character and the person that he is that he’s willing to put his body on the line for England like that,’ added the 34-year-old.

Root scored his 39th Test century on Sunday, putting on 195 with Harry Brook for the fourth wicket and dedicated his celebration to the late Graham Thorpe by putting on his trademark headband. With Root at the crease, England looked to be cruising to their second-highest run chase but he was dismissed with 37 runs still needed..

‘It’s disappointing not to be still there but we’re in a really good position,’ said Root. ‘It’s been that kind of series. It’s been amazing to play in and it’s quite fitting that we’re going to get that kind of finish. 

'I’d like to think we’ve got what we need to get across the line. It’s been one hell of a series, one hell of a journey and we feel that we’ve got the players to get us across the line. Across five-matches and six weeks, it’s swung both ways and we’re in for a great day.’

England will have the option to use the heavy roller in the morning. 

Asked if that would be an advantage, Root said: “I haven’t got a crystal ball. It has made an impact so far in this game. Whether that changes on day five, we’ll see. Hopefully it works well in our favour and flattens things out.’