Chris Woakes has had a nightmare eighteen months when it comes to playing cricket for England. Amongst the trials he has faced have been extensive COVID quarantines and freak injuries, rendering it impossible for England’s 2020 player of the year to meaningfully feature in 2021. However, back in whites at the Oval on Thursday, he took a wicket in his first over, that of Rohit Sharma, with a beauty that nipped off a back of a length. Often described as England’s “unsung hero”, it seems that absence has made the heart grow fonder amongst fans, who now seem well aware of the all-rounder’s importance to the side.
CHRIS WOAKES IS BACK! ❤️
Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/Kh5KyTSOMS#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/IQ0rQInj4s
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 2, 2021