England’s new ODI hero Chris Woakes is desperate to match the all-round brilliance of Ben Stokes
Warwickshire ace leaps into the limelight after amazing finale v Sri Lanka as he eyes regular spot in Test and one-day teams
CHRIS WOAKES’ name rhymes with Ben Stokes — and that is not all they have in common.
While dynamic all-rounder Stokes is currently injured, Woakes, 27, is taking the chance to demonstrate some impressive all-round skills of his own.
It means that, when Stokes, 25, is fit again next month following surgery on his left knee, Woakes will not automatically be the man to make way.
In fact, he will probably keep his England place in both the Test and one-day formats.
After years of being a fringe member of England squads, Warwickshire all-rounder Woakes has this summer raised his international career to a new level.
He took eight wickets at 19.75 in the two Tests he played against Sri Lanka and also scored his maiden half-century for England.
Then, during the dramatic tie in the first one-dayer at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, he made 95 not out and rescued his country from the depths of 82-6.
His innings was the highest by a No 8 in the history of one-day internationals.
Woakes said: “I’d like to think Ben and myself can play in the same team but that’s down to the selectors and coaches.
“The workload is very high in international cricket, especially for all-rounders. There will be times we rotate and, if that’s the case, so be it.
“I’m in decent form and think my best years are ahead of me. I feel more established as an England player. I see myself as a young cricketer who has played a lot.
“Whenever you get an opportunity you have to grab it with both hands, whether it’s through injury or being picked on form.
“My situation this summer has been fortunate but you still have to take it.”
Woakes had the perfect view from 22 yards away as Liam Plunkett smashed the straight six that levelled the scores against Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening.
England’s remarkable recovery started with a 138-run stand for the seventh wicket between Jos Buttler and Woakes, whose cool head and smart thinking was further evidence of his advance at the top level.
Woakes added: “It was a great game for myself, but we’ll be disappointed, with the way we bowled and then getting into a pickle with the bat.
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“Pudsey (Plunkett) is a clean striker of the ball and I was pleased he was on strike for that last ball. He was more likely to hit a six than me. He’s that sort of impact player.
“We believe we can win a game from any position. At 82-6, you’re not immediately thinking about winning perhaps, but you always know a partnership can give you a sniff.
“Jos and myself did that. We back ourselves, believe in ourselves to play fearless cricket.”
The second match of the 50-over series is at Edgbaston — Woakes’ home ground — tomorrow.