Warwickshire and England fast bowler Chris Woakes is ready to play his part in an England shirt once again ahead of the five-match Test series against India.
He returns to the fold after a stint on the sidelines due to injury, prepared to lead the seam attack against what will be a memorable series between two of the world’s top sides.
Woakes is returning from an injury he first felt at the end of England’s tour of New Zealand in December. To go straight into the England XI is a contrast to much of Woakes’ career, when he was often competing for the one pace-bowling spot behind Anderson and Broad.
In the summer of 2022, he did not play at all because of a knee injury. Before he underwent surgery, Woakes wondered if his red-ball career was over.
“When a team is winning without you, your first thought is how hard it will be to get back in,” said Woakes speaking to BBC Sport.
“I was just worried my red-ball stuff was done and if I could get back to the level that was needed to play Test cricket. To stay on the field, to slam your leg down for 25 overs a day. Thankfully, since then it’s been pretty good.”
He is part of an exclusive club of England players to have won the Ashes and both 20-over and 50-over World Cups, including Stokes, Wood, Moeen Ali and Jos Buttler.
“I don’t see myself as one of the greats,” he added. “You know what you are. I don’t put myself in the bracket of Broady and Jimmy, or Glenn McGrath or Curtly Ambrose.
“I believe I’ve got the best out of my ability. I’ve worked my nuts off to get there. At the end of the day, if I’m being picked, it’s clear I’m good enough to play for England. As long as I’m contributing, that’s all that really matters.
“What Brendon and Stokesy want is for guys to remember their time playing for England as the best days of their life.
“We will train hard, we want to win, all of those things, but don’t lose sight of having a good time and looking back at playing for England with real fond memories.”
The series starts this Friday at Headingley, before heading to Birmingham for the second Test starting on Wednesday 2 July.
Limited tickets are now left across the first four days, including our new City End Social package which includes two free drinks and exclusive access to Xcelerate with private facilities, food and drink.
England v Pakistan Test: Last tickets left for Day Three
It’s more than a Test, it’s the Final Chapter. Pakistan return to Edgbaston for the final Test of the summer – and tickets are selling fast with Day Three now 90% sold.
With the Men’s ODI against India sold out, it’s your last chance to see England Men in Birmingham next summer.