In the ongoing second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies, Chris Woakes addressed criticism from Michael Vaughan regarding England’s approach. Woakes justified the tactical decision to open the field for Shamar Joseph, the No. 11 batsman, explaining it was aimed at isolating him while containing the scoring from Joshua Da Silva at the other end.
Michael Vaughan, a former England captain, had earlier questioned Ben Stokes and the team’s defensive strategies, implying they allowed the West Indies to build a substantial lead. The visitors concluded their first innings with 457 runs, establishing a 41-run advantage over England.
Woakes defended England’s tactics, emphasizing the strategic intent behind their field placements and game plan. The ongoing debate underscores the nuances of tactical decisions in Test cricket, where balancing defensive and aggressive approaches can significantly impact the course of play.
Chris Woakes defends England’s strategy on day three of second Test against West Indies
In the second Test against England at Trent Bridge, Kavem Hodge led the West Indies charge with a century, supported by Alick Athanaze and Joshua Da Silva who both scored crucial fifties. Da Silva remained unbeaten on 82, orchestrating a significant partnership of 71 runs with Shamar Joseph, who contributed 33 runs batting at No. 11.
England’s response on the third day saw Chris Woakes playing a pivotal role with figures of 4/84, including a burst of three wickets in a crucial 10-over spell. This effort helped England restrict the West Indies to 457, still trailing by 30 runs after England’s first innings total of 416.
Reflecting on England’s strategy, Woakes emphasized their focus on neutralizing Joshua Da Silva’s threat while creating opportunities to dismiss Shamar Joseph. He credited Joseph for his resilient batting performance at the lower order, acknowledging the challenges he posed.
It’s not always going to be perfect: Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes said after the day’s play, as reported by IANS: “It’s a period that can cause problems. You just have to commit to the plan you’re going with. It’s not always going to be perfect. When the field goes out, as a bowler, it’s easy to think you’re not trying to get the set batter out and just think of the number 11.
At the same time, you don’t want to give away easy boundaries. You don’t always expect the number 11 to hit a couple into the stands. Fair play to them; they played it pretty well. We committed to it for long enough and eventually got the reward.”
Furthermore, Woakes expressed caution about declaring England ahead in the Test, noting that the game could quickly shift. He highlighted the importance of scoring as many runs as possible with two days remaining.
I never like to say we’re in front in a test: Chris Woakes
The pacer has emphasized the goal of bowling to the West Indies on the fifth day, anticipating a potentially worn pitch if they manage to post over 300 runs on the board. Woakes added, “I never like to say we’re in front in a test, because half an hour can go against us and we’re behind the game again. If the West Indies take quick wickets, they will feel ahead again. Naturally, we want as many runs as possible, and there’s still two days to play.
We want to be bowling at them as much as possible on day five when the pitch could wear a little. Sunday is a big day for us; to build the lead up to 250 and 300, then hopefully we can make it really big.”
