Chris Woakes Eyes England’s Winter Tours Post-Anderson

Chris Woakes is eyeing a spot on England’s winter tours following James Anderson’s retirement which has thrust him into the role of lead seamer. The 35-year-old has not played an away Test in over two years and his performance abroad, with an average of 51.88, contrasts sharply with his impressive 21.57 at home. Despite this, Woakes remains optimistic about his chances, particularly for the three-Test series in New Zealand starting in December.

He acknowledged that his effectiveness in the three-match tour of Pakistan in October might be less certain but remains open to selection. “I’ll play where I’m picked,” Woakes stated. “I certainly wouldn’t rule myself out.” He last played in an away Test during the Caribbean tour at the end of Joe Root’s captaincy in 2022. Since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over, Woakes has missed tours of Pakistan, New Zealand and India.

With Anderson and Stuart Broad retired, Woakes has become England’s senior seamer. His recent performance includes three wickets on the first day of the Test against Sri Lanka, bringing his tally to 14 wickets in four matches this summer. Woakes, whose Test batting average is nearly 28, offers significant value with his all-round skills. He is the best batter among England’s bowlers and has stepped up to bat at number seven in the absence of injured captain Stokes.

“It’s a bonus,” Chris Woakes said of his batting skills. England’s Test squad, led by Ollie Pope for the first time due to Stokes’ injury, ended day one of the Sri Lanka series with a strong position. Pope, despite being relatively inexperienced, managed the team well, according to Woakes. “For an inexperienced captain, I thought he did a great job,” Woakes added.