Woakes highlights importance of County Championship success as part of Sky Sports broadcast team

Chris Woakes has spoken of the importance placed on success in the Rothesay County Championship, as the Division One title race heats up.

2026-09-12T09:30+01:00

The Warwickshire all-rounder, speaking as part of the broadcast team on Sky Sports for the Test between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston Stadium, has played an important role in the Bears’ title challenge this term.

Warwickshire are currently third in the Division One table but crucially only five points behind leaders Somerset with two games of the season remaining.

“It’s [the County Championship] still of the highest importance for the majority of the squad,” Woakes said.

“Some guys are on white-ball contracts, so they’ll prioritise the Blast, but I think as a County and as a dressing room, it’s the one you do the most talking about.

“You’re constantly having meetings about what you have to do to win a County Championship, how you get the best out of your squad, and I’m sure it’s what the management are speak the most about behind the scenes; on recruitment and overseas players.”

Woakes, who retired from international cricket last summer, has taken 17 wickets in six County Championship games so far this season, taking four for 36 in their crucial victory over Sussex last month.

With two games remaining, Woakes will play a key role as the Bears look to earn a first County Championship title in five years, starting with their trip to Essex next week.