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Chris Woakes will miss the final week of The Hundred 2024 after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided to withdraw him from the tournament. This move is intended to help manage his workload ahead of England’s Test series against Sri Lanka.
Initially, Woakes was slated to participate in the last two group stage matches for Birmingham Phoenix. However, on August 12, the Phoenix announced that Woakes would be “unavailable for the remainder of the competition.”
Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury has led the ECB to withdraw Chris Woakes from The Hundred.
On the night of August 11, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Northern Superchargers. This injury raises the possibility that Stokes may miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, potentially paving the way for Chris Woakes to step in as England’s leading allrounder. Despite this, the ECB has clarified that Woakes’ withdrawal from The Hundred is not related to Stokes’ injury.
England has several options to replace Stokes in the squad. Jordan Cox, who recently received his first Test call-up, could be brought in to bolster the batting lineup if England decides to add an extra batter. Alternatively, the team might choose to promote wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes to No. 6 and No. 7, respectively, while bringing in Olly Stone or Matthew Potts to fill the No. 8 position. With Zak Crawley injured, Dan Lawrence is expected to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.
England’s bowlers are taking a break during The Hundred 2024.
It’s important to note that none of England’s bowlers from the last two Tests against the West Indies are participating in The Hundred this season. Offspinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Mark Wood are not part of any team in the competition.
Additionally, Gus Atkinson, who made his Test debut against the West Indies in the first Test, has not been picked for The Hundred, even though he is with the Oval Invincibles.
Alongside Ben Stokes, fast bowler Dillon Pennington also suffered an injury early in The Hundred 2024. Pennington, who had bowled just five balls before being forced to withdraw due to a hamstring injury, has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He has yet to make his Test debut.
England’s schedule against Sri Lanka
England is set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match Test series, which is part of the World Test Championship (WTC). The series begins with the first Test in Manchester from August 21-25, followed by the second Test at Lord’s from August 29 – September 2. The final Test will take place at The Oval in London from September 6-10.
England enters the series on the back of a strong performance against the West Indies in July, where they secured a 3-0 victory at home, showcasing impressive all-round contributions with both bat and ball.
