(AFP Photo)
England captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence in Chris Woakes’ ability to take charge of the team’s bowling attack, describing him as “phenomenal.” This comes as England adjusts to life without James Anderson, who recently retired as their premier new-ball bowler after a distinguished career.
Anderson, who amassed a record 704 Test wickets, bid farewell following England’s comprehensive victory over the West Indies at Lord’s. His retirement, along with Stuart Broad’s departure post the Ashes last year, means England now lack the combined experience of 1,308 Test wickets that both stalwarts brought to the team.
As England prepares for the upcoming second Test at Trent Bridge, it marks a significant shift, being the first home Test since 2012 without either Anderson or Broad. Nevertheless, Stokes highlighted Woakes’ credentials, noting that the 35-year-old Warwickshire all-rounder will be playing his 50th Test match this week. Woakes boasts an impressive average of 22.04 with the ball in red-ball internationals on English soil, underscoring his reliability and experience in pivotal situations.
“I see it as an opportunity for someone like Woakesy to take on more of a leadership role in the bowling unit,” Stokes told a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“We’ve been so used to Jimmy and Broady doing that, so it’s a great opportunity for him. He’s a very experienced player and a phenomenal performer, particularly in England.
“It’s great for him to be able to lead the attack and 50 caps is a huge honour.”
‘Exciting’ Atkinson
Stokes will have the advantage of rapid pace from promising talents Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood as England continues to evolve following James Anderson’s retirement. Atkinson made a sensational debut in Anderson’s final Test, claiming 12 wickets and consistently hitting speeds of 90mph (145kph).
Meanwhile, Wood is known for his ability to bowl even faster and is set to return to the team as Anderson’s direct replacement, marking the sole change from the first Test.
Looking ahead to the rebuilding phase leading up to the 2025/26 Ashes in Australia, Stokes expressed enthusiasm about having Atkinson and Wood as dependable options for the foreseeable future. Their pace and potential add a dynamic element to England’s bowling attack as they shape their strategy for upcoming challenges.
“It’s very exciting, the prospect of seeing Gus Atkinson bowl at one end and Mark Wood at the other,” said Stokes.
“Look at the way Gus bowled last week, it’s not only the 12 wickets, it’s finding another bowler who can bowl between 87-90mph.
“Woody is someone who had an unbelievable summer last year in the Ashes,” added Stokes, with his Durham team-mate taking 14 wickets in three matches as England fought back to draw the five-Test series 2-2.
“He was a massive player for us with a huge impact and everyone knows why — because of his pace.”
England may face a last-minute alteration if the spouse of opener Ben Duckett goes into labor before Thursday’s coin toss, potentially prompting the inclusion of Dan Lawrence as a replacement.
“There’s a plan in place for Ben and his partner,” said Stokes. “We’ll just have to decide if it is to happen before the game starts.”
