Woakes finding feet at Test homecoming

Chris Woakes believes the rhythm has returned after an impressive opening day at Edgbaston.

The Bears seamer closed with figures of 3/69, building on his one wicket at Lord’s and six at Trent Bridge, as England dismissed the visitors for 282 after losing the toss.

Playing his 51st Test, the Wizard was a key part of England’s fightback against Australia last year, securing the man of the series Compton-Miller medal.

But since, Woakes has had to bide his time, recovering from injuries and waiting to showcase the immense talent he has with bat and ball.

“I probably came in a bit undercooked to the series as I didn’t feel great at Lord’s,” said Woakes. “As the series has gone on I’ve picked up more rhythm and there was a spell at the back end of the first innings at Trent Bridge where something clicked, I got it moving through the air. I tried to be less tentative and more confident with my skills and showcase that a little more.

“I’ve felt good body-wise, a little bit of a calf niggle at Trent Bridge, which I managed to get through. Whenever the captain or coach come to you and say they’re keen for you to play, once you get the nod it’s hard to say you don’t fancy it. I’m pleased to put three three back to back Tests together.”

Woakes is going to play a big part as England look to sweep the three-Test series. West Indies fought back with the ball as England closed on 38/3, putting the game finely in the balance.

“I feel like when you lose the toss day one at Edgbaston and bowl a team out that is a great effort,” added Woakees. “At half 12 when they were still none down you obviously start thinking that it could be a long day. But I felt they we bowled well with the new ball and we kept doing the right things put the ball in the right areas and got the rewards.

“Thankfully, we got the ball moving in the air and I managed to break that partnership and then to bowl them out for 280 I think we’re really pleased with that. 

“We always try and take the positive option and you have to give credit to the West Indies for coming out in what’s a tricky period I suppose to take three wickets. I think it’s still a good batting surface and I think going into tomorrow we’ve still got two top players at the crease and a middle order which can build partnerships and hopefully put on some big runs.

“I played a game here about a month ago and the wicket just got better and better to be honest. I imagine it will spin a bit more towards the back end and deteriorate.”