Chris Woakes has opened the door to leading England’s attack in Pakistan and New Zealand this autumn, nine months after suggesting he might never play another Test away from home.
Woakes was the player of the series during last summer’s Ashes, but was then left out of the tour to India that followed at the start of this year.
The 35-year-old admitted at the time that he was “at ease” with the decision, given both his age and the stark contrast between his records on native and foreign soil.
In 20 away Tests, Woakes has taken 36 wickets at an average north of 50; at home, after claiming three wickets on day one of the First Test against Sri Lanka, his tally is now 127 at a phenomenal average of 21.57.
Crucially, this summer the Warwickshire quick has been cemented as the senior man in England’s attack following the retirements of Stuart Broad and James Anderson, and his experience - not to mention handy lower-order batting - could be vital in Pakistan and New Zealand.
“I’ll play for England where I’m picked to play for England,” Woakes said, when asked whether those tours are on his radar.
“I certainly wouldn’t rule myself out. That would be a discussion for further down the line but I’m certainly not ruling myself out.
“Selectors will have their plans but I’m certainly not going to turn down a tour if selected. So, we shall see.”
Woakes has not played an away Test during the Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum era, his last coming in the West Indies in March 2022, though injury has played its part in that run.
He has admitted frustration in the past at being unable to convert his home form into success overseas, but suggested there is time in his career yet to make amends.
“I think naturally as you get older, the more you play you pick up new skills and have more experience to fall back on,” he added. “I haven’t played an away Test for a little while so it’s hard to look back at that, but that might be a good thing as well. It kind of gives you a fresh look on things. I wouldn’t shy away from it.”
