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The cricketing world is ablaze with anticipation as the India-England Test series reaches its pivotal juncture. The five-match spectacle has not only enthralled fans but also prompted cricketing luminaries to share their insights and predictions. Among these voices, none is more noteworthy than that of the Ashes 2023 hero, Chris Woakes.
Despite his absence from the current England squad touring India, Woakes has boldly predicted an intriguing outcome for the series that currently hung in the balance (1-1).
Chris Woakes’ Ashes heroics and exclusion from England squad
It is worth mentioning that Woakes had an exceptional campaign in the Ashes 2023, where he clinched the Player of the Series award with an impressive tally of 19 wickets from three matches. Nevertheless, the star all-rounder still found himself excluded from the England squad for the India tour, primarily attributed to his average record in away games. But this setback did not dampen Woakes’ spirits, as he now lends his keen insights to the ongoing series.
Woakes’ bold prediction about the series outcome
In a recent interview with ANI, Woakes shared his thoughts on the closely contested India-England series and made a prediction that has sparked conversations among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. While acknowledging India’s status as favourites in their home conditions, Woakes instilled confidence in the English team, suggesting that they have the capability to clinch the series by winning one or more games.
“When you’re going to play India, obviously India will be the favourites. Team England knows what they need to do to compete and they will see where the series is now, 1-1. The next match will be very important as it is the middle game of the series,” Woakes said.
“I think England got a great chance to win, my prediction is that England will definitely win one more game in the series, and it would be a decider,” he added.
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Woakes shares unfiltered feelings about Virat Kohli
The versatile player also reflected on the absence of India’s cricketing icon, Virat Kohli, from the high-stakes series. He considered himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness the former Indian skipper’s remarkable performances on the field.
“Obviously the fans will be disappointed. It would have been amazing to see Virat Kohli play in the series. I hope he is okay and his family is okay. I just hope whenever he comes back to cricket he will be in a good place. I think we have been very lucky to have him play in so many games,” Woakes expressed.