The way my knee felt, I wasn't sure if I was going to play cricket again: Chris Woakes

England pacer Chris Woakes reflected on his struggles in 2022 when he feared that he would not be able to play cricket again. Notably, the pacer dazzled in the recently concluded Ashes 2023, as he emerged as the Player of the Series for his stellar performances with the ball.

Despite not playing the first two Tests, Woakes made his presence felt in the following games as he contributed invaluably, helping England win two of the final three Tests with one ending in a draw due to rain. In just three appearances, Woakes claimed 19 wickets which included one four-wicket haul and one five-for at a magnificent average economy of 3.04.

However, the pacer reflected on his struggles in 2022, citing the chronic issue in his right knee which made him wonder if he would ever get back on the field. He further highlighted that he took a pass on featuring in the IPL 2023 so as to keep himself fit for England in the Ashes.

"The way my knee felt, I wasn't sure if I was going to play cricket again. You don't always get what you want and what you're kind of destined for. But I turned down the opportunity to go to the IPL (2023) for a number of reasons, one being the opportunity to potentially be a part of this series,” Woakes was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"At no point did I think I'd be stood here. That's not how far your mind works. You don't think 'I can't wait to be player of the series in the Ashes'. You just want to be a part of it, contribute and hopefully win. So, to think that I'm stood here now actually… I think I need to let it sink in,” he added.

Woakes also said that he would like to continue playing for the Three Lions despite having lucrative options on the franchise circuit.

“I want to play for England for as long as possible. Still, for me, playing international cricket is the pinnacle. You want to be a part of days like today. You don't get it any anywhere else. So, you want this to last for as long as possible whilst you're still performing, obviously. I think it's important that the older guys in the team do pass on the knowledge to younger guys coming through,” said Woakes.