I’ve looked at Stuart and Jimmy evolve as they’ve got older and I still hope that I can do the same: Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes is the senior-most pacer left in the England team after James Anderson’s retirement. He is a lethal option for the Ben Stokes-led side on the home turf, but his success away is extremely concerning. In familiar conditions, he averages 22.04, compared to 51.88 overseas. His place in the squad for the upcoming Ashes 2025 is still not guaranteed, but Woakes vouched to perform better to seal his spot.

The all-rounder stated that with age, Stuart Broad and James Anderson got better in the longest format and he hopes to replicate the same. He also expects to travel to Australia as the senior pacer but added, that there’s a probability of him missing out. The 35-year-old however, is ready to give his all and perform at his best and wants to take one game and one series at a time.

“I think I just don’t rule anything out nowadays. It would be hard for me to just stand here and say I’ll be the opening bowler in the Ashes because obviously, my away record isn’t as good as at home. But at the same time, I’ve looked at Stuart and Jimmy evolve as they’ve got older and I still hope that I can potentially do the same,” Woakes was quoted as saying by The Cricket Paper.

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“Seeing Jimmy last week, although it’s lasted for a long time for him, it doesn’t last forever. You have to try and enjoy every moment that you’re a part of this team and lucky enough to put on the three lions. Throughout my England career I’ve always looked at the very next event, the very next game, the very next series and trying to be in the best shape possible for that. Every time I go out there, I’ll try and give 100 per cent and try and do my role as well as I can for the team,” he added.

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In the opening Test against West Indies, Woakes picked up one wicket as England won the match by an innings and 114 runs. The second match of the series will begin on July 18.