Chris Woakes targets England spot and away tour return ahead of Pakistan and New Zeland Tests - ‘I won’t shy away’
Published 22/08/2024 at 11:01 GMT+1
Chris Woakes has his eye on a place in the England squad for the away Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand later this year following his brilliant summer form at home. The veteran all-rounder has stepped into the shoes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad as England's senior seamer, and wants to make his return to the winter tours for the first time in two years.
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Chris Woakes will bid for a spot in the England squad for upcoming winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand, despite not playing an overseas Test match for two years.
The 35-year-old has naturally emerged as England’s senior seamer following the retirement of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
But Woakes has not featured in an away Test match since 2022, then under the captaincy of Joe Root.
“I’ll play for England where I’m picked to play for England. I certainly wouldn’t rule myself out,” Woakes said about a potential call-up.
“The selectors will have their plans, but I’m certainly not going to turn down a tour if selected. We shall see.”
Woakes’ bowling average away from home of 51.88 is far inferior to that of his home numbers, where he holds a useful 21.57.
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Since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took charge, Woakes has missed out on tours in Pakistan, New Zealand and India over the last couple of years.
However, the experienced Warwickshire all-rounder has been in top form this summer with 14 wickets in four matches, as he bids for a spot on the upcoming winter tours.
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He starred in the opening day of England's first Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday with three wickets.
“The more Test cricket you play, you pick up new skills and have more experience to fall back on,” Woakes added.
“I haven’t played an away Test for a little while, but that might be a good thing because it can give you a fresh look on things. I wouldn’t shy away from it."
Anderson, 42, ended his international career as England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, with Stokes’ side beginning preparations for the Ashes tour of Australia which starts next year.
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Chris Woakes celebrates a wicket during the 1st Test Match between England and Sri Lanka.
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Woakes believes that his ability as a batsman - where he has a Test average of 27.8 - will be an advantage to his possible selection.
He said: “That is a bonus, isn't it? It's an extra string in the bow which allows me to potentially be selected ahead of someone else who maybe can't quite fulfil that role.”
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