The all-rounder, who last played for the Bears in T20 cricket in 2018, was delighted to return home.
Woakes has endured a difficult winter with COVID and isolation, but his beaming smile when asked how pleased he was to play for the Bears was clear to see.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s abandoned home fixture against the Lightning, the 32-year-old talked about his return to the side against the Falcons and Steelbacks, the side’s good form and trying to prepare for a big summer ahead.
“It’s nice to be be back and I always love playing for Warwickshire and the Bears again,” Woakes said.
“I feel like I haven’t played cricket for quite a while and it’s always good to come back home and hopefully contribute to the side winning. We’ve gone well over the last few weeks which is good to see.
“The guys have showed since the start of the season that they’re moving in the right direction. T20 is very much about getting on a roll, getting some momentum and we’ve certainly done that.
“We’re in a really good place, the dressing room seems in a good place and and there’s some good confidence going around.”
Woakes received surprising news on Saturday after being included in England’s 16-player squad for The Vitality IT20 Series against Sri Lanka.
The Aston Manor product, who has played eight IT20 matches for three lions, was last selected in 2015, but the all-rounder believes any call up for your country is an honour.
“I suppose it was a little bit of a surprise as I haven’t been around the T20 group for a little while – six years to be exact!” Woakes added.
It’s great to be selected and I never take any selection for England for granted at all, regardless of what format.
“I’m delighted to get the call and excited to join back up with the team and get going.”
