Speaking to Wisden Cricket Monthly, Chris Woakes has admitted that thinking of playing in England’s next Test assignments in India and Australia, despite his 2023 Ashes heroics, would be “stupid” due to his lack of success overseas.
Woakes took 19 wickets at an average of 18.15 in the three matches he played and was named Player of the Series in this year’s Ashes. England were trailing 0-2 and needed a strong performance to turn things around, but Woakes’ arrival provided the impetus that saw the home side win two of their last three games. He also played some significant hands with the bat to highlight his all-round qualities.
Woakes took at least three wickets with the ball in five of six innings and was named Man of the Match at Kier Oval for taking seven wickets.
However, Woakes admits that while he had an advantage in the UK situation, he struggled overseas.
On his future as a Test cricketer and the tour of India, Woakes told Wisden Cricket Monthly: It will last for the rest of the years. He had three great Test matches in the Ashes, but it’s foolish to think about going to India and what that entails.
Buy Wisden Cricket Monthly Issue 71
“I’ve been to India many times. It didn’t work out. I’ve tried different things and I think there’s probably no answer even if England wins in India. This is my honest opinion.”
Woakes played three Tests for India in 2016 and took three wickets at an average of 81.33. His Test figures usually varied widely between home and away, with England his bowling average was 21.88 and outside England he was 51.88. His average score for Australia was 51.68 and he was equally outspoken about the possibility of playing in the 2025/26 Ashes.
“I don’t think that’s a realistic option, but I’m willing to admit that,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to go to Australia and be part of the winning Ashes series, but I’m just being honest. I’m not happy with the Kingfisher ball. Yes, buddy! It just doesn’t suit me! I’ve tried all sorts of things over the years and it just hasn’t happened.”
However, he made it clear that this was not the end of his Test career and that if he performed well, he would be selected for the home summer of 2024. “Don’t get me wrong, I still want to play Test cricket in England. I have the upper hand there. I can perform really well there. As this summer has shown, I still want to play Test cricket in England. Even under difficult circumstances, I can still give a lot to the team.”
Woakes was speaking to Phil Walker for the latest issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly. Buy a copy here.
