Former England captain Alec Stewart has described Chris Woakes as the national team’s “unsung hero” while saying he is “a massive fan” of the fast-bowler.
Woakes claimed five wickets in the second innings to help England beat West Indies in third and final Test by a massive 269 runs to clinch the Wisden Trophy with a 2-1 series victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday (July 28).
Pointing out the 31-year-old has been a consistent performer and he was given chance in the series decider against West Indies because of his “outstanding record” at home, Stewart said Woakes was often deprived of the recognition he deserves since the pacer just goes quietly about his business while the likes of Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Jofra Archer steal all the spotlight.
Stewart said on Sky Sports: “He’s almost the unsung hero of the England setup because we talk about Broad and Anderson then the pace of Archer and Wood, whereas Woakes just goes quietly about his business. I’m pleased he finished with a five-for because a lot of the time his performances go under the radar compared to these perceived bigger players.”
The former wicketkeeper further added, “I’m a massive fan of Woakes, especially in England. His record in England is outstanding. It’s a real feather in his cap that he got the nod when Chris Silverwood said ‘We are picking our very best bowling attack for this Test match we have to win’.”
He also feels it would be a quite difficult task for the young Sam Curran to chase Woakes’ spot in England’s Test XI, as the hosts are now set for the next Test assignment against Pakistan next month.
Stewart signed off by saying, “Sam Curran played one Test match and got three wickets, he wants to chase down Chris Woakes’ slot but, at the moment, while Woakes is in this form, it is going to be very tough for Sam Curran to get in.”
(With Sky Sports Inputs)
