Chris Woakes will be considered for England’s day/night Test against West Indies later this month if he comes through Warwickshire’s forthcoming Championship meeting with Middlesex.
Woakes has not played senior cricket since damaging a muscle in his side during England’s Champions Trophy win over Bangladesh at The Kia Oval on June 1.
But England are hopeful he will feature for his county in the four-day match at Lord’s, starting on Sunday. If Woakes plays there and suffers no ill effects, there is every chance he will be included in the squad for the first pink-ball Test in England, which starts on August 17 at Edgbaston, Woakes’ home ground.
Woakes had originally wanted to return for the Third or Fourth Test of the current Investec Series against South Africa, but the England management decided to be cautious, especially as the 28-year-old continued to suffer discomfort during everyday activities.
But the 28-year-old bowled seven overs, taking two for 35, for Warwickshire 2nd XI in a three-day game against Northamptonshire last week, and suffered no ill effects. The next challenge is to bowl at full tilt during a first-class game.
Woakes had a stellar summer in 2016, becoming a key man for England in both Test and one-day cricket. If fit, he is likely to be a key man for the team during this winter’s Ashes series in Australia.
