IPL not to be blamed for my injury, says Chris Woakes

English fast bowler Chris Woakes went ahead to state that playing in the IPL had no relation to the injury he sustained in the match of against Bangladesh. Chris Woakes has been part of the Kolkata Knight Riders this season but missed out on a couple of one-dayers against South Africa and now is out of the tournament due to a side strain.

England has perennially been critical about the involvement of their players in the IPL. It is only because of Andrew Strauss and his approach to the game that we have seen an influx of Englishmen in the IPL this season. Players such as Jason Roy, Tymal Mills and Ben Stokes appeared for the first time in the tournament.

Chris Woakes impressed one and all with his death bowling skills in the tournament as he picked a whopping 17 wickets in just 13 games he played at an economy of 8.7. However, much has been talked about Woakes injury since he left the field gingerly against Bangladesh after bowling just a couple of over in the match. There were speculations regarding Woakes’ injury as a result of the season spent in India, playing franchise cricket.

That said, Chris Woakes in an interview came out and dismissed these speculations by stating that his body was as fit as ever even after taking the flight back from India. “When I came back from the IPL, my body felt as good as it can be. I felt in a good space physically and mentally, and I was confident too because I bowled well out there.There were no signs of my side being tight or sore before the game yesterday, so it’s just one of those things and you have to take it on the chin.” said the fast bowler in an interview with Sky Sports.

Woakes later expressed his disappointment regarding missing out on the tournament for which he has been preparing for quite some time now. “More than anything, it’s really frustrating. It’s a tough one to take, right at the start of a tournament which we have been building up to as a team for a while.We’ve had our eyes on the Champions Trophy for a while now as a team and we were coming into the tournament in good form. The toughest thing as a bowler is having to come off after only bowling a couple of overs.” added Woakes.

Plunkett- the Spearhead for England bowling attack

Meanwhile, Liam Plunkett has claimed that he would want to fill in for the services of Chris Woakes in the tournament by taking the additional pressure. Plunkett proved to be devastating in the death overs as well against Bangladesh on June 1. “You don’t play to make the numbers up – you want to be the one that takes the wickets. That is what you get picked for. You do want to take it on and be that leader of the bowling attack…I’m happy to take that on my shoulders.” said Plunkett.

England faces Australians and the Black Caps next after their glorious win against Bangladesh. However, Joe Root has also sustained a calf injury during his knock of 133* against the Asian side. Ben Stokes too has been nursing a knee injury.