• Woakes shines in partnership with Bairstow at Lord’s
The most timely of interventions from Chris Woakes kept England in charge of the second Test. The Warwickshire all-rounder purred to his maiden Test century in just 129 balls, which was rapturously received on the England balcony and everywhere else in the ground. Alongside Jonny Bairstow, Woakes demonstrated that it was possible for batsmen to prevail at Lord’s, after all; their partnership of 189 enabled England to build a formidable lead – currently 250 – that surely ensures victory provided the weather cooperates.
When Woakes first played for England in the Oval Test of 2013 against Australia he batted at six. Here he was at seven yet, on an unusually dry day, no one above him batted with more assurance. Given the complications surrounding the engine room of the England team it is extremely handy that Woakes should re-establish his credentials as an all-round international cricketer upon his return to the side. Three days ago the England set-up was agonising whether to make Moeen Ali or Woakes their 12th man and the damp weather probably clinched their preference for another pace bowler. Now there is no way Woakes can be omitted from this team whatever the conditions.
Written by Vic Marks at Lord’s
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/11/england-india-second-test-chris-woakes under the title “Chris Woakes’s first Test hundred puts England in full control against India”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
