Woakes gets just reward as India show no resistance
Seamer proves he can have cutting edge
CHRIS Woakes can ditch his billing as England’s unluckiest bowler after more than doubling his career Test wickets tally in one innings.
Woakes (three for 30) and Chris Jordan (three for 32) both registered new career Test bests at The Oval as England’s seamers hustled India out for 148 despite captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s admirable 82.
After Alastair Cook and Sam Robson then closed day one of this fifth Investec Test with 62 on the board for no loss, and therefore their highest opening stand together to date, England were already on the perfect course to close out a series victory from 2-1 up.
Woakes came into this contest with doubts being expressed by some about his effectiveness at the highest level after just two wickets spread over three Tests.
But captain Cook had expressed none, describing Woakes as outstandingly unlucky – especially in England’s series-levelling win at the Ageas Bowl last month.
The man himself did not lose faith either, and is naturally delighted to have begun to prove himself properly.
“I suppose you often think ‘am I ever going to pick up a wicket?’,” he said.
“But you try to keep telling yourself you’re doing the right things.
“I felt like today I did that and got those rewards.
“It can be disheartening sometimes when you do bowl well and don’t pick up wickets. But, as long as you are contributing to the team in some way – whether it’s holding up an end or bowling in a partnership – you can carry on.”
Woakes and Jordan were bowling a little in the shadow of Stuart Broad and James Anderson in last week’s quick kill at Old Trafford.
But here, they showed they can have a cutting edge too.
“It’s nice to finally pick up a few wickets and contribute,” added Woakes.
Woake’s fine performance exemplified a clinical display for England, who were nonetheless frustrated by Dhoni in a lastwicket stand of 58 with Ishant Sharma.
“It’s been a very good day,” said the Warwickshire pace bowler.