Chris Woakes to bat with dislocated shoulder for England vs India in last day decider

Chris Woakes is prepared to "put his body on the line" for England, despite suffering a dislocated shoulder. Joe Root remains optimistic that England will secure victory in the nail-biting series decider against India. In an unprecedented fifth Test, the game is set to go down to the wire after a tense fourth evening left all outcomes possible.

Impressive centuries from Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) had England comfortably pursuing a remarkable chase, positioned at 301 for three chasing 374, but they lost three late wickets, leaving the result hanging in the balance. Poor light and rain interrupted what promised to be a thrilling conclusion, with England needing 35 runs and India requiring four more wickets.

Woakes, who has been absent since severely injuring his left shoulder while fielding on Friday, is ready to bat at number 11 with his arm in a sling if necessary. "You probably saw him in his whites in the dressing room. He's all in, like the rest of us," said Root.

"Clearly, he's in a huge amount of pain. But it means a huge amount to him and it just shows the character and the person that he is, that he's willing to put his body on the line like that for England. If it does come to that, hopefully he can get us across the line and win an incredible series."

Root wasn't shocked to witness such a thrilling conclusion after nearly seven weeks of intense cricket, but having shouldered much of the responsibility alongside Brook, he remains confident England can secure victory.

"It was always going to happen like this wasn't it? Just look at the first four games," he said. "It's been amazing to play in and quite fitting that we're going to get that kind of finish. It's been one hell of a series, one hell of a journey, and there's clearly confidence in our dressing room. I'd like to think we've got what we need to get across the line."

Root had previously celebrated his 39th Test century, his third this summer, with a poignant gesture honouring the late Graham Thorpe. The former Test batsman, who tragically took his own life last year, shared a special bond with Root whilst serving as England's assistant coach.

Upon reaching his hundred, Root donned one of the Thorpe-inspired white headbands that Surrey have been distributing to support the MIND mental health charity, gazing skyward in tribute.

"That was on behalf of our team. It was just a thank you for everything that he's given the game of cricket, and given English cricket, on and off the field," he said. "It's been amazing to recognise everything that he's done as a player, as a coach, as a mentor, as a friend to the dressing room and to the game.

"It was really great to see the amount of love that there is for him and for his family." India's pace attack had discovered excellent momentum before the elements interrupted proceedings and would likely have preferred to attempt completing their task whilst fortune favoured them.

An overnight interval and additional deployment of the heavy roller might benefit England, though a waterlogged outfield meant the visitors weren't grumbling about the officials' verdict.

"We can see it's pretty wet out there," said bowling coach Morne Morkel. "In a way that's out of our control so all we can focus on is doing a good warm-up in the morning, get the boys ready to get the ball in the right area and create a little bit of excitement again."