Rain denies England opportunity of clean sweep

CHRIS Woakes has endured an injury-riddled past few months – but is now eyeing a place in England’s line-up for their opening match at the T20 World Cup next weekend, writes David Charlesworth.

After a busy schedule last winter, Woakes was restricted to just one appearance – in Warwickshire’s second XI – over the English summer and underwent an operation on his left knee in late July.

Woakes admitted he had a difficult time watching England’s Test and limited-overs sides from afar but he has put in encouraging displays on his comeback, first in Pakistan and now Australia.

While his three wickets in the third and final T20 between England and Australia were in vain after an abandonment due to rain in Canberra, the 33-year-old Woakes is contented to be back playing.

“When you get past 30 you don’t want to miss any cricket,” he said.

“Earlier in your career, you have breaks and you quite enjoy them, whereas this time round it felt like I was missing opportunities to be playing for England. It has been a tough six months, both physically with my knee and then mentally as well. I watch a lot of cricket, it’s not always best for you when you’re not going to be around the team. It’s just satisfying to be back amongst the squad and back playing for England. I’m just thoroughly enjoying it.”

Jos Buttler’s 65 not out off 41 balls formed the backbone of England’s 112 for two in a fixture that was reduced to 17 then 12 overs after two downpours at the Manuka Oval.

Australia’s reply got off to the worst possible start, losing Aaron Finch and Mitch Marsh from the first two balls of their Duckworth-Lewis-Stern adjusted run-chase of 130 as Woakes took centre stage.

Woakes snared Glenn Maxwell in his next over to collect T20-best figures of three for four before the third deluge of the night proved terminal as Australia finished on 30 for three from 3.5 overs – well behind on DLS but seven balls short of the amount needed for a result.

England take a 2-0 series win over the defending world champions and will now head to Brisbane for a warm-up against Pakistan on Monday.