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In a memorable conclusion to pacer Stuart Broad’s international career, the English cricket team emerged victorious in the fifth Ashes 2023 match, securing a 49-run win. The home side staged a strong comeback during the series and came remarkably close to reclaiming the coveted Ashes urn after an eight-year hiatus. An instrumental figure in England’s resurgence against Australia was all-rounder Chris Woakes, who showcased remarkable performances by capturing 19 wickets across three games.
Chris Woakes led England’s comeback
Woakes, the all-rounder for the English cricket team, received the well-deserved honour of being named England‘s Player of the Series for his outstanding contributions throughout the series. The 34-year-old exhibited exceptional skill by capturing a total of 19 wickets across the three Tests he participated in, placing him third on the wicket-taking charts for the series, trailing behind Broad and Australia’s Mitchell Starc.
After being drafted into the team for the third Test held at Headingley, Woakes delivered a stellar performance, clinching six wickets in the match. He notably dismissed prominent batsmen such as Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh. Additionally, the English stalwart made a crucial batting contribution, scoring 32 runs during the third Test, a performance that played a pivotal role in hosts’ three-wicket victory.
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Ashwin hails Chris Woakes’ stellar display in Ashes 2023 series
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered praise to Woakes for his remarkable display in the recently concluded Ashes series. Ashwin commended the Birmingham-born cricketer for his ability to consistently improve as he ages, expressing a sense of admiration for the ease with which Woakes manages to excel on the cricket field.
The 36-year-old while speaking on his YouTube channel said how can someone have everything and was also baffled due to his snub from the Test team.
“He is someone who keeps getting better with every game he plays. I still can’t understand how he is still not a regular in this England Test XI. If he was born in any other country, barring injuries, he would have been one of the top three names in the playing XI,” the Chennai-born cricketer said.
Ashwin playfully admitted to feeling a hint of jealousy due to how effortlessly Woakes handles his performances.
“I feel really jealous when I watch him play. He makes it look really easy. He is a natural athlete. If you look at the way he runs, you will feel as if someone trained him how to run a huddle. On the field, once he finishes his spell, he will not remain stiff at all. His bowling action is so natural and his run-up itself is so good, it makes you go, ‘wow’,” the veteran cricketer concluded.
Woakes has represented England in a combined 189 international matches, during which he has taken 336 wickets. His impressive record includes securing eight fifers and one ten-wicket haul.
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