Wednesday 16 July 2014 11:07, UK
Chris Woakes is hoping that England’s busy summer schedule against India will offer him another chance to play Test cricket.
The Warwickshire all-rounder made his debut at the end of the 2013 summer, playing in the fifth and final match of the Ashes series at the Oval. He made 25 and 17 not out batting at No 6 in the order and claimed a wicket in Australia’s first innings.
He’s a great bowler and he’s shown that in county cricket. I’ve played against him quite a lot and with him for the Lions, I thought he was brilliant in the winter.
He is still waiting for a second opportunity in the longest form of the game, although he is clearly in the selectors’ thoughts after being a regular member of England’s Test squads this year.
The 25-year-old – who has played in 13 one-dayers and five T20 Internationals for his country – knows that a hectic schedule could open the door for him to get another chance through a rotation policy.
“It’s tricky, obviously. I’ve been in a few squads and not made the final XI,” he told Sky Sports.
“But I will keep pushing and keep trying to get in there then hopefully my chance will come. I feel like I’m in decent form, and that is shown by being picked in the squads.
“It’s a five-Test series, all pretty much-back-to-back. There might be some rotation at some point. It’s obviously hard work on the seamers who have had heavy workloads recently.
“If I do get my chance I’m looking to take it. If there is a rotation policy then hopefully I’ll be fresh when I do come in.”
Simon Kerrigan is also part of the home side’s 14-man party for the second Test at Lord’s, which you can watch LIVE on Sky Sports 2 HD from 10am on Thursday.
The Lancashire spinner also made his debut against Australia last year but endured a chastening experience, sending down just eight expensive overs as he struggled with his control.
Woakes, however, believes Kerrigan has the character to bounce back from his debut to forget, having captained the slow bowler during the winter when the pair were part of the England Lions squad in Sri Lanka.
“It’s great for him to be included in the squad again. He’s excited,” he said of Kerrigan. “I captained him in Sri Lanka and he has come on as a bowler. He’s a tough character.
"He’s a great bowler and he’s shown that in county cricket. I’ve played against him quite a lot and with him for the Lions, I thought he was brilliant in the winter.
“He’s definitely improved his game and I’m sure he’s ready if he’s given the opportunity.”
*Chris Woakes was speaking to us at Lord's as The Lord’s Taverners displayed shortlisted drawings from the cricket charity’s minibus design competition.
The nationwide competition has seen young people from across the country submit their drawings, and one lucky youngster will have their design printed on to a new fleet of 11 accessible minibuses.
