Chris Woakes is of the opinion that the presence of experienced bowlers like as Stuart Broad and James Anderson has been more of an asset to his England career in terms of providing him with the opportunity to learn from them than a detriment.
When it comes to red-ball cricket, twin World Cup champion Woakes has frequently found himself on the outside looking in despite his exceptional Test record on home soil. This is due to the long careers of Anderson and the now-retired Broad, who bowed out following the Ashes final at The Oval. Woakes has often found himself on the outside looking in when it comes to red-ball cricket.
The 34-year-old seamer Woakes has only played in 48 Tests because of injuries, the most recent of which occurred in March 2022 in the Caribbean and involved his knee.
But after being out of the game for more than a year, he had a significant impact in the Ashes, claiming 19 wickets at a staggeringly low average of 18.14 in the last three Tests against Australia. This was an incredible performance.
The all-rounder also produced a vital 32 not out in the third Test that was played at Headingley, which helped England to a three-wicket win. On Monday at The Oval, the all-rounder took 4-50 with the ball as England won by 49 runs, bringing the series to an even 2-2 score for the hosts.
Even though Woakes did not participate in the first two Tests of the series, he was awarded the famous Compton-Miller prize given to the player who had the best overall performance in the series.
According to Woakes, “the past three weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind and it’s just amazing to be a part of it.” “I believe that the fact that I am able to keep going is the only reason I am proud of myself.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with Stuart. Jimmy is the same as always. The things that I’ve picked up from them over the years have made a significant contribution to my bowling style and technique. It has been a privilege to serve.”
He continued by saying, “If anything, it has extended my international career.” If they had not been here, we will never know what the world would be like now; yet, I have nothing but positive things to say about the wisdom they have shared with us.
Woakes has the potential to have been a more established part of the team, at least in England, given that he averages 21.88 while playing in circumstances similar to those found in England.
However, that bowling average skyrockets to a far more costly 51.88 from 20 Tests played outside of the United Kingdom. As a result, Woakes is unsure as to whether or not he will be included when England play test cricket again in India in the new year.
“I think that’s a question for another day,” he replied. “I think that’s a question for another day.” “Let’s give this some time to register. I have absolutely no notion. Because everyone is familiar with my performance away from home, I believe that if it takes place, we will discuss it.
“I want to play for England for the longest stretch of time that I can. Nevertheless, competing in international cricket is the peak of my career. You dream about days like (the last day of the fifth Ashes Test), and you want to be there to experience them.
“You can’t get it anywhere else, so while you’re still performing, you want this to last as long as it possibly can,” she said. “You can’t get it anywhere else.”