'Wouldn’t shy away from it' - Chris Woakes on playing Tests away from England

England’s Chris Woakes isn’t ruling himself out from the away tours in the coming future. After James Anderson’s retirement, he became the senior-most pacer in the squad but that didn’t guarantee him a place in the playing XI for away matches. It is because Woakes averages 21.57 in English conditions in comparison to 51.88 away from home. His records forced the ECB to ignore him from tours as the all-rounder didn’t feature in England’s recent visit to India.

However, Woakes is confident of doing well in future games and is ready to discuss the same with the team management. The 35-year-old added that the selectors have a plan but if he is given an opportunity, he wouldn’t say no to them. 

“I certainly wouldn't shy away from it. I'll play for England, where I'm picked to play for England. I certainly wouldn't rule myself out, and obviously, that will be a discussion for probably further down the line, but I'm certainly not ruling myself out. The selectors will have their plans, but I'm certainly not going to turn down a tour if selected, so we shall see," Woakes said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

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The seamer was recently pulled out of the Hundred after Ben Stokes got injured and was ruled out of the competition. ECB understands the value he brings to the table and Woakes repaid that trust with a three-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the opening Test of the series. If he continues to remain consistent, Woakes can tour to Pakistan and New Zealand later in the year. If he does well in those two series, the conversation might start with him playing in Ashes 2025.

However, it's still a story of maybe. Regardless, Woakes is ready and stated that as he is growing older, he has a better understanding of his game and wants to make an impact.

“Naturally, as you get older, the more Test cricket you play, you pick up new skills, you have more experience, to fall back on and are a little bit wiser. I haven't played an away Test for a little while, so it's hard to look back at that - but that might be a good thing as well that I haven't in a little while. It gives you a little fresh look on things,” Woakes added.