Woakes Optimistic for Ashes Victory in Australia

Former England bowler Chris Woakes has stated that the team has ‘a hell of a chance’ of winning the ashes in Australia, for the first time since 2010/11.

Woakes sustained a shoulder injury against India in his 62nd and final test. Despite coming to bat at no.11 to salvage the match, the injury saw him ruled out of the Ashes, after which he decided to hang up his boots and retire from international cricket. The 36 year old, who was part of two Ashes tours in his career, did not manage a victory, but believes that Ben Stokes’ side has a much higher chance this Winter.

“Going to Australia is a different beast. I’m hoping the guys can go and do a good job and we’ve got a great chance this time.” He told BBC 5 Live. “Ashes cricket is played with more venom behind it but these players have played a lot of international cricket and enough to know what it’s about. We have been building nicely over the last few years but not quite got over the line in the big series, but it doesn’t get any bigger than this. We are due a competitive performance down under and these guys have got that in the locker.”

Many notable members of the England squad are only just returning from injury

The hosts remain the favourites in spite of Woakes’ confidence. Ex-Australian bowler Glenn McGrath predicted a 5-0 whitewash for the Aussies, especially since the England squad has failed to register a match victory down under since Andrew Strauss and co secured a 3-1 victory in 2011. They have not retained the Ashes since 2015 either, despite two of the series being played at home.

Many notable members of the England squad are only just returning from injury, including spinner Shoaib Bashir and pacer Mark Wood. Will Jacks, who last made a red-ball appearance in 2022, has also been recalled.

But Australia seems to have its own problems. Captain Pat Cummins is guaranteed to miss the first match in Perth and is in doubt for the whole series following a back injury in their tour against the West Indies. Ex-opener and coach Justin Langer dismissed such claims, stating that he was surprised by reports of him missing all five fixtures.

England Vice-Captain Harry Brook believes Cummin’s absence could be a major advantage

England Vice-Captain Harry Brook believes Cummin’s absence could be a major advantage, though he acknowledges that the Australian’s depth in their fast-bowling unit should not be underestimated. With only six weeks remaining before the first test, this looks to be England’s best chance of retaining the Ashes in foreign soil.