Woakes back in contention as buoyant England prepare for Oval Test - in pictures

Captain Root likely to have more bowling options for fourth Test against India

Cricket - Fourth Test - England Nets - The Oval, London, Britain - September 1, 2021 England's Chris Woakes during nets Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge

England's Mark Wood during a training session ahead of the fourth Test at The Oval on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. AP

England captain Joe Root during a practice session at The Oval in London. AFP

Mark Wood has returned to bowling after missing the third Test due to a shoulder injury. AP

Joe Root has scored three centuries so far in the series. Reuters

England coach Chris Silverwood speaks to Jonny Bairstow during training on Wednesday. PA

England's Moeen Ali and Joe Root during training. Reuters

England's Rory Burns during a training session ahead of the fourth Test. AP

Chris Woakes bowls at The Oval. Getty

England are on a roll at the moment and their troubles after the Lord's Test seem to be a thing of the past. With Joe Root's team missing almost their entire first-choice attack, the situation looked grim as India took a lead after the second Test.

But a sensational burst from their seamers - led by the indefatigable James Anderson - at Headingley saw Virat Kohli's tourists bundled out for just 78 on the opening day. That laid the foundation of a morale-boosting innings victory.

Suddenly, it's India who are facing tough questions about their playing XI, with the form of Kohli and the non-selection of ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin among the many talking points.

As India jostled with the sudden turn of events, England received more good news as experienced seamer Chris Woakes returned to the mix after a lengthy injury lay-off while ace quick Mark Wood also took part in training having missed the previous Test.

Woakes has been out of Test cricket for a year and is making a comeback from a recent heel problem. Wood missed the Leeds Test after hurting his shoulder at Lord's.

Both will be hoping to get a look in. Sam Curran is almost certain to lose his spot after failing to inspire with ball and bat in all three Tests. Wood, if fully fit, should replace Craig Overton for the fourth Test which begins in at The Oval on Thursday.