TRENT BRIDGE: England Test captain Ben Stokes has expressed his belief that Chris Woakes can fill the void left by James Anderson who recently retired from Test cricket.
Anderson ended his red-ball career after the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s, finishing with an impressive 704 wickets, the most by any fast bowler in the history of Test cricket and third overall.
Stuart Broad also retired from Test cricket during the 2023 Ashes series. With the departure of Anderson and Broad, who combined to take 1,308 wickets, England are in for a new era in their bowling line-up.
The upcoming second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge starting on July 18 will be a historic moment. It will be the first time since 2012 that England will play a home Test without Anderson or Broad. Chris Woakes is expected to lead the bowling attack in his 50th Test match.
Stokes told the pre-match press conference: “I see it as an opportunity for someone like Woakesy to take more of a leadership role in the bowling unit.
Stokes praised Woakes’ experience and performance, adding: “It’s great for him to lead the attack and 50 matches is a huge honour.”
Apart from Woakes, Stokes also relies on Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood to bolster the bowling attack. Atkinson had a remarkable debut, taking 12 goals, and Wood is known for his incredible speed.
