Chris Woakes feared for Test future before successful return
Tuesday 2 August 2016 09:48, UK
Chris Woakes admits he feared for his Test future at the start of the summer as he prepares for his first Test on his home ground with renewed confidence.
Woakes' 26 wickets in four Tests since his return at Durham two months ago - combined with 221 runs in six innings - have established the all-rounder as a reliable performer for Alastair Cook's England side ahead of the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday live on Sky Sports 2 HD.
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The Warwickshire man's first six matches in England whites were unproductive - his last match before this summer yielding just one wicket at a cost of 144 runs in South Africa in January - but he says long-standing support from team-mates such as James Anderson have helped him silence his critics.
"I think it was after the India Test at the Rose Bowl (two years ago), and I felt I'd bowled pretty well - as well as I could, probably," he said.
"Jimmy was getting the plaudits and he was saying, 'Chris Woakes bowled brilliantly, should have got more' - something like that is an honour coming from him.
"It's unbelievable to think that someone like Jimmy, England's best-ever bowler, has even mentioned you in that context. He's England's best-ever bowler - and you think if someone like that is saying it, you must have something.
"But until you actually do it, it's hard to believe. I'd played six Tests and taken eight or nine wickets - which isn't a record you want to shout about.
"I had doubts that I may not play Test cricket again unless there were quite a few injuries."
