Woakes insists England do not need curfew to control themselves
Wednesday 29 November 2017 16:21, UK
England's Ashes squad had "no inkling whatsoever" of Ben Stokes' trip to New Zealand, says Chris Woakes.
Stokes landed in New Zealand, the country of his birth, on Wednesday following talks by his representatives over his availability to play for Canterbury.
The 26-year-old remains unavailable for selection in the Ashes series in Australia, which England trail 1-0, because of an ongoing police investigation.
Woakes admitted he and his team-mates were as pleasantly surprised as anyone when pictures emerged of the all-rounder at Heathrow airport with his cricket gear.
"We've all seen that he's been training indoors and indoor practice can only get you so far," Woakes told Sky Sports News.
"So the fact that he might be getting some cricket out in New Zealand is good for him. We had no inkling whatsoever. It was news to us as well.
"He balances the team perfectly, batting at six, bowling overs. He's a fast bowler as well; can touch 90 miles an hour when he wants to. Having Ben Stokes in any team makes a team better."
England's player discipline was brought under scrutiny when Stokes was arrested in September by Avon & Somerset Police on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.
It has since emerged Jonny Bairstow greeted Cameron Bancroft with what the Australian opener described as a headbutt in a Perth bar on October 29 in the days after England's arrival for the tour.
We are grown men, we're allowed a drink at times, we just know that we're not allowed to overstep that mark.
ECB director Andrew Strauss insisted England's players are not "thugs" and confirmed Bairstow will face no disciplinary action over the incident, while Woakes insisted the team are capable of maintaining their professionalism without governance.
"There is a curfew of midnight but that doesn't really affect us a huge amount," said Woakes. "Very rarely are we out past that time anyway.
"Personally it doesn't affect me in any way. We are grown men, we're allowed a drink at times, we just know that we're not allowed to overstep that mark."
Woakes admitted the subject of ill-discipline in the England camp benefited Australia in the first Test at the Gabba, but wants his side to start fresh after arriving for the day-night game at Adelaide Oval.
"The situation that happened, out on the field and in Brisbane worked for the Australians and I suppose took the concentration away from the cricket," said Woakes.
"Jonny's been himself, hopefully that can be swept under the carpet and Jonny can concentrate on scoring runs, taking catches and keeping well for England."
