Veteran England seamer Chris Woakes has expressed his eagerness to retain his spot in the playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester. He also said that it’s an ‘amazing’ feeling to be part of the Ashes cauldron at Headingley. Woakes played a key role in England’s tense three-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley. He finished with six wickets and an unbeaten 32 in the fourth innings and helped his side win as well.
He told Sky Sports, “I feel like last week went very well for myself and the team and when you win a game of cricket you obviously want to be part of the next game.”I’m obviously desperate to be part of next week, but at the same time I’ll get there, try and perform well in practice, do my right prep and the selection is out of my control. What will be will be, but, hopefully, I get the nod. (It) has been great to watch from the sides, but now to be out there and in the middle is an amazing feeling.”
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However, England have retained the veteran in a strong 14-man squad for the fourth Test in Manchester as well which starts on Wednesday (July 19). Woakes also opined on the ‘Bazball’ theory, saying that it’s all about playing aggressively and backing one’s strength to get the desired results as well.
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“All they’re trying to do is take that fear of failure away from players, go out there and express yourself. We’ve realised we’ve got an incredibly talented squad, so it’s just about letting players go out there, play their way and have the backing of the dressing room.”It very much feels that way. You’re backed however you want to go about your business out in the middle,” Chris Woakes concluded.
