England all-rounder Chris Woakes has revealed he has learned a lot from veterans like James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Woakes, who made a return to England’s red-ball team after a long time, delivered with both bat and ball in the third Ashes Test against Australia at Leeds, Headingley, which the hosts went on to win by three wickets.
Woakes scored an unbeaten knock of 32 runs as he added a crucial alliance of 59 runs with Harry Brook for the seventh wicket after the hosts found themselves under pressure at 171-6 while chasing 251 runs in the second innings.
On the other hand, Woakes scalped a total of six wickets in the third Test. The 34-year-old returned with figures of 3-73 in the first innings whereas he registered figures of 3-68 in the second dig. Ergo, he played an instrumental role in England’s three-wicket triumph.
Woakes highlighted he would like to play more for the national team but also admitted he has learned a lot while playing with Broad and Anderson.
“It is pretty epic being out there in front of a packed Headingley. We haven’t won the first two but it felt like we had the whole nation behind us. There have been moments where I would have liked to have played more. The more you play, the more you are settled at this level. But I don’t begrudge the fact Jimmy and Broady are around because I have learned so much for them,” said Woakes after England’s win.
In fact, England needed another 80 runs to win when Woakes joined forces with Harry Brook after Jonny Bairstow chopped the ball back onto his stumps. Woakes added it was good to have a match-winning alliance with the young batter.
“It was enjoyable, it was good. It was definitely stressful times, especially when Harry got out, I thought he was cruising it. That is Ashes cricket, there is always a twist, isn’t there? It is just amazing to get over the line- a big win for us,” Woakes added.
England were able to make it 1-2 with two matches still to play and thus they have kept the Ashes alive. The fourth Ashes Test will be played at Old Trafford from 19th July onwards.
