S Poddar
Veteran English seamer Chris Woakes heads back to the unforgiving conditions of Asia but in a homecoming of sorts-a return to the cricketing crucible where he has faced his share of tests. At a time when England’s bowling attack is short on key figures, the opportunity calls for Woakes to step out as the spearhead against a Pakistan team more than capable of blowing them off course.
Not always smooth was the road for Woakes overseas. Statistics impressive at home at times have faltered when faced with unfamiliar pitches and conditions. Still, fresh from the past experiences, he’s all eagerness to prove his worth overseas.
His inclusion for the Pakistan tour is an indication of his form over the last few weeks and the trust the England management possesses in his skills. Although a proven wicket-taker, he is also tasked with providing stability and guiding the youngsters within the bowling unit and has fully accepted that mandate.
It is not going to be an easy task ahead. Pakistani batsmen are known for their aggressive mindset and their variations of playing on different wickets that they would pose a serious challenge. Heat and unorthodox nature of subcontinental pitches will throw in another set of complications in their mix.
Though Woakes is no stranger to adversity, he has confronted such situations in the past and emerged on top each time. His game-reading, ability to extract movement, and his ability to bowl with discipline can make him a big match-winner in these conditions.
As Woakes sets foot on the ground in Multan, carrying the hopes of a nation. A successful tour would serve not only as a foundation to make him one of England’s finest seamers, but maybe even as an avenue to a more satisfying overseas career. It is something he looks forward to eagerly, a possibility of writing a new chapter in his cricketing story.
