England Ashes hero Chris Woakes able to change into Stuart Broad’s successor

Chris Woakes says he is able to step into the footwear vacated by the retiring Stuart Broad and assist convey by the subsequent technology of bowling expertise. The genial Brummie, 34, has grown used to working within the shadows as Broad and Jimmy Anderson established England’s best ever strike-bowling partnership.

But following Broad’s retirement at The Oval and his personal standout Ashes efficiency, Woakes has been thrust centre stage. And removed from avoiding the highlight he insists he needs to take the chance going ahead for captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

“I feel very lucky to have played with Stuart and Jimmy. The stuff that I’ve learned from them has had a huge impact on how I’ve bowled about over the years,” he mentioned. “It’s extended my international career if anything.

“We obviously won’t know what would have been if they hadn’t been around but I can only have good things to say in terms of the knowledge that they’ve passed on. It’s been an honour.”

Clutching a bottle of champagne and his award for the Player of the Series on the outfield at The Oval Woakes deserved all of the plaudits lastly heading his manner. He dragged England over the road in Leeds with the profitable runs, took 5-62 at Old Trafford, seven wickets at The Oval and 19 in all from simply three Tests.

All this having began the 2022 season recovering from knee surgical procedure that left him questioning whether or not he would play once more not to mention scale such heights. Asked whether or not he now felt able to assume a task as a senior bowler after Broad’s departure, Woakes mentioned: “Yes definitely.

“I want to play for England for as long as possible. Playing international cricket is the pinnacle and you want to be a part of days like today. You don’t get it anywhere else. So, you want this to last for as long as possible whilst you’re still performing, obviously.

“It’s important that the older guys in the team do pass on the knowledge to younger guys coming through because the international game is very different to what we play at county level. So much information can be passed on and hopefully I can be part of that.”

Woakes’ document abroad has by no means come near his document with a Duke’s ball beneath English skies the place he averages 29.13 per wicket. In Australia his wickets have come at 51.68, in New Zealand at 50, South Africa at 56.40 and in India, the place England will tour early subsequent 12 months, his wickets have price 81.33 apiece.

Cue a wry smile from Woakes when requested whether or not he would put his hand up for the tour of the sub-continent. “I think that’s a question for another day,” he mentioned smiling. “Let’s let this sink in. And yeah, we’ll see. I’ve no idea but we all know my record away from home so I think we’ll come to that if it happens.”

Whatever his Test future Woakes should already be probably the most adorned unsung heroes of all time with a Compton Miller Medal, and two World Cup trophies from 50-overs and T20. On this proof he nonetheless has a lot to offer.