Woakes finding feet at Test homecoming

Chris Woakes believes the rhythm has returned after an impressive opening day at Edgbaston.

matc

2024-07-27T08:48:53.000Z

The Bears seamer closed with figures of 3/69, building on his one wicket at Lord's and six at Trent Bridge, as England dismissed the visitors for 282 after losing the toss.

Playing his 51st Test, the Wizard was a key part of England's fightback against Australia last year, securing the man of the series Compton-Miller medal.

But since, Woakes has had to bide his time, recovering from injuries and waiting to showcase the immense talent he has with bat and ball.

"I've felt good body-wise, a little bit of a calf niggle at Trent Bridge, which I managed to get through. Whenever the captain or coach come to you and say they're keen for you to play, once you get the nod it's hard to say you don't fancy it. I'm pleased to put three three back to back Tests together."

Woakes is going to play a big part as England look to sweep the three-Test series. West Indies fought back with the ball as England closed on 38/3, putting the game finely in the balance.

"I feel like when you lose the toss day one at Edgbaston and bowl a team out that is a great effort," added Woakees. "At half 12 when they were still none down you obviously start thinking that it could be a long day. But I felt they we bowled well with the new ball and we kept doing the right things put the ball in the right areas and got the rewards.

"Thankfully, we got the ball moving in the air and I managed to break that partnership and then to bowl them out for 280 I think we're really pleased with that.