Chris Woakes has had difficulty mirroring his domestic success on foreign soil, yet the fast bowler asserts he is prepared to step up if chosen for the upcoming tours of Pakistan and New Zealand this year. Woakes has secured 127 wickets in 32 Test matches on English pitches but has only managed to capture 36 wickets in 20 matches overseas. His most recent foreign tour was in 2022, and he faced criticism for his performance during England's 4-0 defeat in Australia in the 2021-22 Ashes series. England is set to visit Pakistan for a three-Test series in October, followed by three matches in New Zealand in December.
"I'll represent England wherever I'm selected to play. I definitely wouldn't exclude myself from consideration," Woakes, who claimed 3-32 on the first day of England's opening Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, informed reporters about the forthcoming tours. "The selectors will have their strategies, but I'm certainly not going to decline a tour if I'm chosen. I haven't played an away Test for a while, but that might be beneficial as it could offer a new perspective. I wouldn't avoid it."
Woakes also mentioned that he has been diligently working on his batting skills, which could enhance his chances of being selected. "That's an advantage, isn't it? It's definitely an aspect I've consistently focused on," stated the 35-year-old, who boasts a batting average of 27.76. "I've put in a lot of effort to ensure I'm capable of contributing in that area. It's an additional asset that allows you to potentially be chosen over someone else who might not be able to perform that function."
England is trailing Sri Lanka by 214 runs after the first day of the first Test.
