Chris Woakes talks Ashes opportunity

Chris Woakes says it was a 'relief' to not only be a part of England's win at Headingley but play a big part as well.

The all-rounder, who last played a Test for England 16 months prior, rose to the occasion with bat and ball.

And whilst he wasn’t awarded the player of the match he was front and centre of England’s winning cause. Taking 3/73 in the first innings and 3/68 in the second, Woakes did what was expected of him with the ball.

But the headlines, rightly so, gathered around his batting prowess. Needing a big partnership, the 34-year-old supported Harry Brook, before striking the winning runs to move the series to 2-1 Australia.

“It was am absolutely incredible week,” said Woakes. “It was a busy week with plenty of support and what a Test match to be a part of. It’s just amazing to get over the line really and the relief for myself and and the team as well to keep the Ashes series alive.

“It’s always that little bit sweeter when you’ve had times like last summer when I was injured. I had to have the surgery on my knee and you feel like a million miles away from the team so a very nice feeling this week.”

Speaking of the run chase, Woakes added: “It’s always easier being out there in the middle than it is actually in the dressing room watching. Your nerves in the dressing room are through the roof, whether that’s waiting to bat or even if you’ve already batted, and there’s nothing you can do about it. At least when you’re out there you can affect the game.

“When you come up against a world class side, you can always lose your wicket at any point, but you almost feel that little bit of control when you’re out there. You feel that you can really dictate the game and have an impact. I think once you get through your first few deliveries, I feel like and you’ve got game plan, it’s just a matter of trying to stick to that.”

With England back in the series, all eyes are on Emirates Old Trafford.

“We’re in the same sort of position as we were at Headingley,” added Woakes. “We lose this Test match and the Ashes is done. We have to go in there with the same sort of belief that we can win this Test match and try to keep it alive. To have the Ashes decided at the Oval would be incredible. We’ve got a big week on our hands, but I’m really excited about what’s to come.”