England are hoping Woakes will be fit for the fourth Test

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

England have been dealt another blow after it was revealed that all-rounder Chris Woakes suffered a “tiny crack” in his right thumb.

Woakes sustained the injury when he was struck on the thumb while trying to fend off a short-pitched delivery off the bowling of India seamer Mohammed Shami in the recently concluded third Test in Mohali. Instead of falling to the ground, the ball travelled into wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel’s gloves and Woakes was subsequently on his way back to the pavilion.

The 27-year-old went for an X-ray after the game, which confirmed the injury. In addition to his thumb problem, Woakes has also been nursing a knee injury.

Despite this, England are optimistic that the Birmingham native will be fit for the fourth Test in Mumbai, which gets underway on December 8.

Meanwhile, England are also expected to confirm a replacement for opening batsman Haseeb Hameed, who will be returning home to undergo surgery on his left hand.