English pacer Chris Woakes has clarified that playing in the IPL had no relation to the injury he suffered in the match of against Bangladesh. He played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2017 but missed out on a couple of one-dayers against South Africa and now is out of the tournament due to a side strain.

England has constantly been precarious about the participation of their players in the IPL. It is only because of Andrew Strauss and his approach to the game that we have seen an incursion of Englishmen in the IPL this season. Woakes impressed one and all with his death bowling skills in the tournament as he picked as many as 17 wickets in just 13 games he played at an economy of 8.7.

However, much has been talked about Woakes injury since he left the field cautiously against Bangladesh after bowling just 2 overs in the match. There were rumors regarding Woakes' injury as a result of playing in IPL. Clarifying those doubts, he said, "When I came back from the IPL, my body felt as good as it can be. I felt in a good space physically and mentally, and I was confident too because I bowled well out there.There were no signs of my side being tight or sore before the game yesterday, so it's just one of those things and you have to take it on the chin."

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He further added, "More than anything, it's really frustrating. It's a tough one to take, right at the start of a tournament which we have been building up to as a team for a while.We've had our eyes on the Champions Trophy for a while now as a team and we were coming into the tournament in good form. The toughest thing as a bowler is having to come off after only bowling a couple of overs."

In the meantime, Liam Plunkett has said that he would want to fill in the boots of Woakes in the tournament by taking the additional pressure. He said, "You don't play to make the numbers up - you want to be the one that takes the wickets. That is what you get picked for. You do want to take it on and be that leader of the bowling attack...I'm happy to take that on my shoulders."

England will face the mighty Australians and the Black Caps next after their magnificent win against Bangladesh. However, Joe Root has also suffered a cramp in his calf muscle during his knock of 133* against Bangladesh. Ben Stokes too has been nurturing a knee injury.