Chris Woakes will seek talks with Ben Stokes and direct instructions on England’s new style of play as he looks to force his way into this summer’s Ashes plans.
Woakes, 34, has gone a year without first-class cricket after knee surgery last July but an impressive Test record with the Dukes ball at home – 94 wickets at 22.63, a lower average than both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad – means he surely sits among the “eight fit fast bowlers” Stokes wants ready to face Australia.
