However, the celebration was short-lived as the third umpire intervened. After reviewing the replays, the decision was overturned, declaring the batter not out. This ruling stemmed from a recent update to cricket’s Law 19.5.2, specifically addressing boundary catches involving airborne fielders.

The updated rule, implemented by the MCC in June 2025, states that if a fielder contacts the ball while airborne beyond the boundary, they must re-establish contact with the playing field before the ball becomes dead. If the fielder lands outside the boundary after touching the ball, even if another fielder completes the catch inside, the ball is automatically considered a boundary. In this instance, Wadhera, after making contact with the ball in the air outside the boundary, landed outside. Despite Dhir’s clean catch inside the ropes, Wadhera’s failure to re-enter the field rendered the relay catch invalid, leading to the ‘not out’ decision. This ensures fair play and prevents potential boundary runs from being nullified by such athletic but technically non-compliant fielding.

Harris was given an opportunity to play in a T20 series in the UAE before the Asia Cup 2025. Despite a string of poor performances, the team management kept faith in him, giving him chances in the first two matches of the tri-series. However, he failed miserably in both. Against Afghanistan, he scored only 15 runs off 13 balls, and against the weaker UAE team, he managed a mere 1 run off 2 balls before being dismissed.

During the match in Sharjah on August 30, Haris was quickly dismissed by UAE fast bowler Junaid Siddiqui. Haris had attempted a shot towards the third man, hoping for a six, but the fielder caught it on the boundary. Enraged, Haris took his frustration out on his bat, the very tool that had brought him to international cricket. The 24-year-old Pakistani cricketer slammed his bat on the ground, separating the bat from its handle. The video of this incident went viral on social media, drawing severe criticism. Haris has been struggling, having been out of form for the last eight innings, scoring just 37 runs off 42 balls.

The all-rounder, who sustained a suspected shoulder dislocation on Day 1, has been sidelined since then. He hasn’t bowled or fielded, focusing on ice packs and assessments. Yet, on the eve of Day 5, reports indicate that Woakes is prepared to bat at No. 11 if needed. Despite his shoulder injury, his commitment remains unwavering.

The question many fans are asking is whether a player ruled out of a series can still participate in the current Test match. The answer is yes. Being ruled out of a series is a forward-looking decision, affecting upcoming matches, not the one in progress. If the player hasn’t been officially withdrawn from the match before the toss, they remain part of the playing XI for all five days, regardless of injury.

So, if Woakes, despite his injured shoulder, is ready to play, he is allowed to bat.

Beyond the regulations, there is a profound human element to Woakes’ potential appearance. The thought of him padding up and going out to bat, possibly with limited mobility, evokes memories of players like Malcolm Marshall, who batted with a fractured hand, and Anil Kumble, who bowled with a broken jaw. Such moments elevate Test cricket to legendary status.

Joe Root perfectly captured the sentiment after Day 4:

“He’s all-in, like the rest of us… He had some throwdowns in here and he’s ready if needed. He’s desperate to do what it takes.”

If Woakes bats, it will be about courage, determination, and possibly just protecting Root at the other end.

With the second new ball due in 22 deliveries and India needing to bat with four wickets left, India is still very much in the contest. A couple of quick wickets could make that No. 11 position very real, very quickly. England will need Woakes, not for his runs, but for his resilience.

Even standing at the non-striker’s end can make a difference. Even absorbing a few balls can be crucial. Test matches have been won on less.

Chris Woakes may not be able to lift his arm, but he’s demonstrated his ability to lift spirits. His willingness to play if required, even with a shoulder injury, reveals much about the man and the significance of this series for both teams.

Yes, he can bat. He is still part of this Test. He is still part of the fight.

In cricket, being “ruled out” of the series doesn’t always mean being ruled out of history.

According to the ICC’s guidelines on concussion substitutes, a replacement is permitted under specific conditions if a player suffers a concussion or a suspected concussion during a match.

The controversy gained traction following Rishabh Pant’s toe injury sustained while attempting a reverse sweep against Chris Woakes. Despite the injury, Pant returned to bat on Day 2 and scored a half-century. This demonstrated his commitment and determination.

Gavaskar, in an interview, stated, “I’ve always felt that you are giving a like-for-like substitute for incompetence. If you are not good enough to play short-pitched bowling, don’t play Test cricket; go and play tennis or golf. You are giving a like-for-like substitute for somebody who can’t play the short ball and gets hit.”

Gavaskar further suggested that a specialized committee should be formed to assess injuries, including doctors. He emphasized the need to avoid any perception of bias, especially in situations involving Indian players.

Key changes include the introduction of a stop clock in Test cricket, requiring fielding teams to start a new over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending. Penalties will be applied for delays, starting with warnings and escalating to a five-run penalty for repeated infringements.

Umpires now have sole authority on ball changes, particularly regarding the condition of the ball, removing the ability of teams to request changes. DRS protocols have been modified for scenarios where a batter is initially given out caught behind, but the ball is later shown to have only brushed the pad. Furthermore, in combined review situations, the TV umpire will assess appeals in the order they occurred. New guidelines also emphasize fairness in cases of no-balls, where the third umpire will review the catch’s validity.

Stricter penalties are also introduced for deliberate ‘short runs’, which allow the fielding side to choose the next batter and the batting team receives a five-run penalty. Finally, like-for-like replacements are now permitted in first-class matches for external injuries after an assessment by match officials.