India vs England: Chris Woakes leaves bio-secure bubble to return to England

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has left India for his home for his scheduled break. Consequently, he will not be available for selection in the fourth and final Test of the series against India. According to reports, Woakes left the bio-secure bubble on Thursday (February 25), the day the third Test ended, to leave for England.

Woakes is the latest England player to be rested. With a busy year ahead that will see England host India, play the T20 World Cup in India before flying to Australia for the Ashes, the English team-management remains committed to providing rest periods for their multi-format players on an ongoing basis.

Earlier this year, the likes of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and Jonny Bairstow, James Anderson and Jos Buttler were rested. England Test captain Joe Root is set to be rested too after the conclusion of the ongoing series. Root is not named in England’s T20I squad and is unlikely to be a part of the ODI squad for the series against India.

Just like Root, Woakes will also not part in the limited-overs series against the Men in Blue. The all-rounder is yet to play a game this year. He has remained with the English team on the road throughout the side’s tours to South Africa, Sri Lanka and India. However, he did not feature in the playing XI in any of the tour.

India take the unassailable lead

Talking about the ongoing Test series, India have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead after beating England by ten wickets in the third Test. The game ended within two days, becoming the shortest Test since World War II. The loss has ended England’s chances for a qualification in the final of the World Test Championship.

India, on the other hand, remain on course for a series win as well as a place in the final of WTC. The Virat Kohli-led side needs just a draw for winning the series and securing a place in the WTC final. In case, India lose the series, Australia will progress to the final and take on New Zealand.