Chris Woakes to Remain a Key Option for Overseas Tours, Says England Head Coach Brendon McCullum
England's head coach Brendon McCullum has affirmed that fast bowler Chris Woakes will still be considered for overseas tours, despite his historically underwhelming record away from home. This decision comes amidst ongoing discussions about the future composition of England's bowling attack, especially in the wake of James Anderson's recent retirement.
Woakes, 35, boasts an impressive average of 21.83 with the ball in 31 Tests played in England. However, his performance abroad has been less stellar, with his bowling average rising sharply to 51.95 in 20 overseas matches. His struggles are particularly notable in Australia, where he averages 51.68 in seven Tests—a concerning statistic as England look to reclaim the Ashes in the 2025-26 series.
The retirement of the 41-year-old Anderson has sparked debates over Woakes' selection. While Captain Ben Stokes has hinted at the complexities behind Anderson's retirement, he emphasized it was not solely based on age. Meanwhile, Woakes, despite his subpar overseas record and lack of extreme pace, remains a valuable asset due to his skill in reverse swinging the ball.
McCullum expressed confidence in Woakes' abilities on challenging pitches, referencing his performance in the West Indies series. "Yeah, why not?" McCullum responded when asked if Woakes could still feature in overseas tours. "The way he bowled on these flat surfaces, reversing the ball, he was able to prise out some wickets."
Woakes' most recent overseas Test appearance was in the Caribbean in March 2022, prior to the leadership transition to Stokes and McCullum. His inclusion in future tours suggests that England's management values his experience and versatility, despite the statistical challenges he faces away from home.
As England gears up for a busy international schedule, including the coveted Ashes series down under, McCullum's endorsement of Woakes indicates a strategic approach that balances experience with adaptability. England fans will watch closely to see how Woakes performs in upcoming overseas engagements and whether he can overcome his past struggles to deliver match-winning performances abroad.
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