England pacer Chris Woakes is looking to lead his country in Ashes 2025 after the retirement of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Woakes will be appearing in his 50th red-ball match for England during the second Test against West Indies which will be played in Trent Bridge from July 18.
Part of Anderson’s retirement was Ben Stokes’ plan of building a bowling attack that will travel to Australia for Ashes 2025 and Woakes is now England’s most trusted bowler and he is not putting limits on how far the job will take him.
“I think I just don’t rule anything out nowadays,” he said. “It would be hard for me to just stand here and say I’ll be the opening bowler in the Ashes because obviously my away record isn’t as good as at home.
“But at the same time, I’ve looked at Stuart and Jimmy evolve as they’ve got older and I still hope that I can potentially do the same.
“Seeing Jimmy last week, although it’s lasted for a long time for him, it doesn’t last forever. You have to try and enjoy every moment that you’re a part of this team and lucky enough to put on the three lions.
“Throughout my England career I’ve always looked at the very next event, the very next game, the very next series and trying to be in the best shape possible for that.
“Every time I go out there I’ll try and give 100 per cent and try and do my role as well as I can for the team.”
Woakes feels “fortunate” to have played with Anderson, England’s best ever and stated that he learned a lot from him throughout the years.
“I feel very fortunate to have bowled with England’s best ever. The lessons and little nuggets that I’ve learned from him across the years has certainly made me a better player,” he said.
“I think he’ll be very good in that new role as well, not just for the summer but hopefully moving forwards. He’s always been there at mid-off giving little words of advice.
“He assesses conditions and pitches better than anyone I’ve seen. The way he talks about what deliveries are working on the surface so early on is just incredible, really. He is the best at doing that.”
