For the first time since 2011, India will be without Kohli and Rohit in their Test team.
Chris Woakes, experienced England pacer, spoke about the absence of legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team in the forthcoming five-Test series against England and stated that it is a shame for the game itself that they won’t be playing.
Taking the first three Indian wickets on the first day of the second unofficial Test match, Chris Woakes was the England Lions' standout player. Woakes, who is recuperating from an injury and was selected in England's team for the opening Test of the series at Headingley in Leeds, should take heart from it.
However, KL Rahul's accurate and unlucky century, which set the tone for India A's innings with 116, vexed Woakes. Considering that the pitch was dynamic and moving all day, Woakes was full of praise for the Indian opener.
“KL played really well, a good hundred, on a wicket which did a little bit all day. There were periods where it was a bit quiet, but it was doing something for most of the day,” Woakes reflected on the proceedings in an interview with ESPNcricinfo after day’s play.
In response to a question about what it's like to be getting ready for an Indian squad without Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, Woakes said he believes the side is still in a great position because of the depth in the setup and the caliber of the replacements.
“It’s always good to come up against strong opposition going into a Test series that you know is going to be hard-fought. We’ve had some good battles against Virat and Rohit over the years. For the game itself, it’s a shame they won’t be there.
But Indian cricket has so much depth, the players who will come in, I’m sure, will be of a very high standard, who have proven themselves in some way or the other,” Woakes said.
Woakes will draw confidence from his early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal if he is selected for the Test match for England. Jaiswal was trapped LBW after being caught sliding across by a large inswinger. Woakes also made a contribution by taking the LBW wickets of Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran.
“I enjoyed all three, to be honest. I felt like I could have a couple more, but pleased with how the ball came out. Most important for me was to get through 17 overs. Ticked box for me,” Woakes concluded.
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)