England Test head coach Brendon McCullum is hopeful of Chris Woakes’ possibility of featuring in overseas Tests despite his poor record. The former Kiwi keeper-batter also stated that Woakes bowled brilliantly on the flat surfaces in England’s 3-0 win against the West Indies recently. He is also leading the bowling attack, averaging 21.84 in 31 Tests. However, his average is 51.89 in 21 overseas Tests as well.
In an interview last year, he has made peace with not getting to tour India or Australia again as well. Speaking to reporters on Monday, July 29, McCullum opened up on Chris Woakes should’ve played a lot more cricket than he has.
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As quoted by The Telegraph, the former New Zealand captain said: “Yeah, why not? The way he bowled on these flat surfaces [in the West Indies series], reversing the ball, he was able to prise out some wickets. He’s a remarkable cricketer who probably hasn’t played as much as he could have in international cricket but every time he has, he’s done really well. Whether that means he plays overseas, let’s wait and see but it’s hard to rub him out right now.”
The veteran also fulfilled the role of the senior pace bowler after James Anderson’s retirement and picked wickets at crucial junctures for England as well. He finished with 11 wickets in three Tests at 21.36 apiece. McCullum is also surprised by how easily Anderson has transitioned into his new role of coaching from a player as well.
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“To move straight into the coaching staff, what he’s given in the past couple of matches is quite incredible. Sometimes when you’re a player you don’t always give everything to everyone else because you’re worried about your own performance. But the information he’s been able to pass on and the way he’s fitted seamlessly into our group of coaches we’re so lucky to call upon that resource and the person he is. It’s never easy but Jimmy seems really content right now,” Brendon McCullum concluded.
