Chris Woakes played a key role with both ball and bat in England's Headingley Test win.
The seam-bowling all-rounder claimed three scalps each in Australia’s two innings. With the bat, he played a crucial knock of 32 not out to help England chase down a 251-run target.
After the game, Woakes said he has learnt so much from James Anderson and Stuart Broad and doesn’t begrudge the fact that the veteran pace-bowling duo is still around the squad.
“It is pretty epic being out there in front of a packed Headingley. We haven't won the first two but it felt like we had the whole nation behind us. There has been moments where I would have like to have played more. The more you play, the more you are settled at this level. But I don't begrudge the fact Jimmy and Broady are around because I have learnt so much from them,” said Woakes, as quoted by India Today.
During the chase, the hosts were in a spot of bother at 171/6 when Woakes came to the crease. Amid the pressure situation, he stitched a crucial 59-run partnership with Harry Brook.
While Brook got out after scoring 75, Woakes was joined by Mark Wood in the middle and the duo stayed till the end to take the home team across the finishing line.
“It was enjoyable, it was good. It was definitely stressful times, especially when Harry got out, I thought he was cruising it. That is Ashes cricket, there is always a twist, isn't there? It is just amazing to get over the line- a big win for us,” Woakes added.
With this victory, England kept the Ashes alive at 2-1 heading to Manchester, scheduled to stage the fourth Test from July 19.